Type-56D needler

This article is about the model introduced in Halo 5: Guardians. For the model introduced in Halo: Combat Evolved, see Type-33 needler.

The Type-56 Guided Munitions Launcher (T-56 GML), more commonly known as the Needler, is the post-Covenant War successor to the Type-33 GML.

Type-56D
The T-56D needler was extensively used by the Swords of Sanghelios and Jul 'Mdama's Covenant in October 2558. It is ranked a Common REQ in Warzone simulations, and is available at Level 2 energy while giving 50 REQ points if sold.

Type-56D variants

 * Hailstorm: The Hailstorm, based off of a pre-Covenant Sangheili weapon that was used during the volatile early-interstellar period of Sangheili history, is an improved needler that fires blamite shards at a 16% faster velocity, has superior tracking capabilities, and features a 50% larger magazine capacity with 33 needles. It is ranked an Uncommon REQ in Warzone simulations and is available at Level 3 energy while giving 75 REQ points if sold.
 * Talon of the Lost: Sangheili miners and engineers continue to discover amazing new properties of the Subanese crystals used in Needler ammunition, resulting in new creations like the Talon of the Lost. It is an advanced needler that fires carefully calibrated shards of blamite that can embed themselves into the armor of Mgalekgolo, Promethean Knights, and vehicles. It is ranked a Rare REQ in Warzone simulations, is available at Level 3 energy while giving 100 REQ points if sold, and can also be found as the first of four special weapons in the mission Reunion.
 * Pinpoint Needler: Improved version of the needler with an increased mag from 26 to 30. It has been painted white and can lock on and track targets when they are in range and the user is zoomed in.

Changes from the Type-33 needler in Halo 2: Anniversary

 * The normal needler's shards travel at a much faster speed and have better tracking, while the Hailstorm features even faster-moving shards.
 * Can be smart scoped to increase the weapon's range by 20%. When smart scoped, it brings up a purple holographic display on the user's HUD.
 * Super-combines with 7 rounds instead of 8, much like the Needlers in Halo: Combat Evolved and Halo 3.
 * Decreased ammo capacity; the needler now has a 22 round magazine and a maximum of 66 reserve rounds for a total of 88 rounds.
 * The Hailstorm can have up to 99 reserve rounds for a total of 132 rounds.

Changes from Halo 5: Guardians to Halo Infinite

 * The Needler now holds 26 rounds instead of 22 from Halo 4 and Halo 5.
 * The Needler has blue coloration and melee animation from Halo: Combat Evolved.
 * The Needler now has an ammo counter on the back of the weapon.
 * The needler requires 12 needles for the supércombine effect to activate.
 * The reload animation for the Needler has changed.

List of appearances

 * Halo 5: Guardians
 * Halo Infinite