Newb Combo

Summary
The so-called "Newb Combo" is the combination of the Plasma Pistol and Battle Rifle. Often one would be walking and hear the splash of the plasma pistol being fired only to turn around and be hit in the face with the giant green blob and then sprayed in the head with the Battle Rifle in a matter of milliseconds. This combo was especially rampant on Beaver Creek and Colossus. It was incredibly effective and often turned the tide of games. This tactic was considered so imbalanced that Bungie effectively removed it from the game by implementing the new Human BR game type which removes all Covenant weapons from the map. Those who use this combo are often referred to as Newbs.

Whether or not this weapon combination is actually a sign of being a "newb" is up for debate. While it is indeed a powerful and arguably imbalanced combination, it does require some skill to use, and using weapon combinations effectively is not a trait of a new player.