Eos'Mak-pattern plasma pistol: Difference between revisions
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|rate=Semi-automatic; single charged bolt<ref name="universe"/> | |rate=Semi-automatic; single charged bolt<ref name="universe"/> | ||
|velocity=108 m/s (354 f/s)<ref name="bung"/> | |velocity=108 m/s (354 f/s)<ref name="bung"/> | ||
|range={{Convert|50|m|ft}}<ref name="bung"/><ref name="ency"/> | |range={{Convert|50|m|ft}}<ref name="bung"/><ref name="ency"/>}} | ||
}} | {{Quote|The Type-25 DEP is the bread and butter of [[Covenant]] small arms—almost as common as the [[MA5 series|MA5]] is with the [[United Nations Space Command|UNSC]]. After the [[Solemn Penance|Covenant Carrier]] jumped there were some areas of [[Mombasa]] where plasma pistols covered the ground like leaves—that maneuver killed a bunch of dudes on both sides.|Unidentified UNSC serviceman<ref name="bung"/>}} | ||
{{Quote|The Type-25 DEP is the bread and butter of [[Covenant]] small arms—almost as common as the [[MA5 series|MA5]] is with the [[United Nations Space Command|UNSC]]. After the [[Solemn Penance|Covenant Carrier]] jumped there were some areas of [[Mombasa]] where plasma pistols covered the ground like leaves—that maneuver killed a bunch of dudes on both sides.|Unidentified | |||
The '''Type-25 Directed Energy Pistol''' ('''Type-25 DEP'''),<ref name="bung"/> also known as the '''plasma pistol''', is a Covenant infantry firearm, carried commonly by the smaller species, such as the [[Unggoy]], [[Kig-Yar]], and the [[Yanme'e]], but is occasionally used by larger species such as the [[Sangheili]] and [[Jiralhanae]]; as such it is the most commonly encountered Covenant energy weapon.<ref name="ency"/> While weak on its own, the plasma pistol has a wide variety of functions and becomes deadly in large numbers. | The '''Type-25 Directed Energy Pistol''' ('''Type-25 DEP'''),<ref name="bung"/> also known as the '''plasma pistol''', is a Covenant infantry firearm, carried commonly by the smaller species, such as the [[Unggoy]], [[Kig-Yar]], and the [[Yanme'e]], but is occasionally used by larger species such as the [[Sangheili]] and [[Jiralhanae]]; as such it is the most commonly encountered Covenant energy weapon.<ref name="ency"/> While weak on its own, the plasma pistol has a wide variety of functions and becomes deadly in large numbers. | ||
==Design and usage== | ==Design and usage== | ||
===Design details=== | ===Design details=== | ||
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The plasma pistol has two modes of fire, semi-automatic direct and semi-guided area of effect (AOE), also known as "overcharge".<ref>'''Halo Waypoint:''' Halo: Reach Stats</ref> | The plasma pistol has two modes of fire, semi-automatic direct and semi-guided area of effect (AOE), also known as "overcharge".<ref>'''Halo Waypoint:''' Halo: Reach Stats</ref> | ||
===Default firing mode=== | ===Default firing mode=== | ||
When rapidly tapping the trigger, the plasma pistol will fire small bolts of plasma. These bolts deal little damage to targets protected by [[Energy shielding|energy shields]], though still more than most bullet weapons. Against unarmored targets, though, the lethality of the Type-25 DEP is extreme. Injuries inflicted to a victim are severe third-degree burns, this level of injury causes the wound to be cauterized instantly upon impact.<ref>'''[[Halo: The Fall of Reach]]''', ''pages 328''</ref> Body fluids would be subjected to flash vaporization, inducing a strain or a shock on the body after impact,<ref>'''[[Halo: The Flood]]''', ''page 22''</ref> fluids trapped in organs or arteries in addition to the rapid expansion of heat would cause ruptures or small explosions causing additional damage to the target. Near misses can also cause injury to the target, as they produce severe burns to the area they pass, this can also cause heat trauma or heat stroke from the extreme temperatures of the bolt.<ref>'''[[Halo: Ghosts of Onyx]]''', ''page 19''</ref><ref name="reach">'''Halo: The Fall of Reach''', ''page 315''</ref> Should the plasma strike cover, the impact can cause splash damage by flinging heated debris, though the blast radius is smaller than most Covenant explosive weapons.<ref>'''[[Halo: The Cole Protocol]]''', ''page 15''</ref> | When rapidly tapping the trigger, the plasma pistol will fire small bolts of plasma. These bolts deal little damage to targets protected by [[Energy shielding|energy shields]], though still more than most bullet weapons. Against unarmored targets, though, the lethality of the Type-25 DEP is extreme. Injuries inflicted to a victim are severe third-degree burns, this level of injury causes the wound to be cauterized instantly upon impact.<ref>'''[[Halo: The Fall of Reach]]''', ''pages 328''</ref> Body fluids would be subjected to flash vaporization, inducing a strain or a shock on the body after impact,<ref>'''[[Halo: The Flood]]''', ''page 22''</ref> fluids trapped in organs or arteries in addition to the rapid expansion of heat would cause ruptures or small explosions causing additional damage to the target. Near misses can also cause injury to the target, as they produce severe burns to the area they pass, this can also cause heat trauma or heat stroke from the extreme temperatures of the bolt.<ref>'''[[Halo: Ghosts of Onyx]]''', ''page 19''</ref><ref name="reach">'''Halo: The Fall of Reach''', ''page 315''</ref> Should the plasma strike cover, the impact can cause splash damage by flinging heated debris, though the blast radius is smaller than most Covenant explosive weapons.<ref>'''[[Halo: The Cole Protocol]]''', ''page 15''</ref> | ||
The semi-auto firing mode can be used until the weapon overheats, after which it must cool down for a few seconds before it can be used again. As the weapon approaches low battery, it may sputter and fail to fire. The [[Hesduros]]-manufactured pistols used by [[Jul 'Mdama]]'s [[Jul 'Mdama's Covenant|forces]] fire more powerful plasma bolts, with a comparable increase in energy use per shot.<ref name="universe"/> | The semi-auto firing mode can be used until the weapon overheats, after which it must cool down for a few seconds before it can be used again. As the weapon approaches low battery, it may sputter and fail to fire. The [[Hesduros]]-manufactured pistols used by [[Jul 'Mdama]]'s [[Jul 'Mdama's Covenant|forces]] fire more powerful plasma bolts, with a comparable increase in energy use per shot.<ref name="universe"/> | ||
===Overcharge mode=== | ===Overcharge mode=== | ||
[[File:H2A Beach - Noob Combo.jpg|thumb|250px|An [[Orbital Drop Shock Troopers|ODST]] primes a plasma pistol's overcharge.]] | [[File:H2A Beach - Noob Combo.jpg|thumb|250px|An [[Orbital Drop Shock Troopers|ODST]] primes a plasma pistol's overcharge.]] | ||
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However, after the overcharged bolt is fired, the pistol will automatically overheat. Until it cools down the pistol cannot be fired in this mode, giving an opposing target enough time to counterattack. Using the overcharge frequently will also drain the battery faster than usual. | However, after the overcharged bolt is fired, the pistol will automatically overheat. Until it cools down the pistol cannot be fired in this mode, giving an opposing target enough time to counterattack. Using the overcharge frequently will also drain the battery faster than usual. | ||
==Gameplay== | ==Gameplay== | ||
===Advantages=== | ===Advantages=== | ||
The plasma pistol is a great close-to medium range weapon. While it can't inflict high damage at long range, the plasma pistol can be used at a distance if the user fires slowly and aims carefully by leading the target. It is extremely efficient at killing "soft" targets, while dealing large amounts of damage to a heavily armored target. Its overcharge ability is extremely dangerous to shielded infantry, and to non-shielded infantry. Because of the extreme temperatures released, a vehicle running on a hydrogen engine, or one that is lightly covered, can be damaged or disabled if the overcharged bolt hits it — in addition to the high temperatures, the electromagnetic bottle containing the plasma can produce an EMP which can disable any electronic device within range. When compared with the [[Type-25 plasma rifle|plasma rifle]], the plasma pistol's non-overcharged firing mode is far more accurate at medium and long ranges, although the plasma projectiles tend to arc downward at long range. SPARTANs and Sangheili have the ability to dual-wield plasma pistols, doubling their efficiency in close- to mid-range combat situations. If fired fast enough, the high velocity of the plasma projectile coupled with the force of the kinetic impact, can knock over, or stun infantry. | The plasma pistol is a great close-to medium range weapon. While it can't inflict high damage at long range, the plasma pistol can be used at a distance if the user fires slowly and aims carefully by leading the target. It is extremely efficient at killing "soft" targets, while dealing large amounts of damage to a heavily armored target. Its overcharge ability is extremely dangerous to shielded infantry, and to non-shielded infantry. Because of the extreme temperatures released, a vehicle running on a hydrogen engine, or one that is lightly covered, can be damaged or disabled if the overcharged bolt hits it — in addition to the high temperatures, the electromagnetic bottle containing the plasma can produce an EMP which can disable any electronic device within range. When compared with the [[Type-25 plasma rifle|plasma rifle]], the plasma pistol's non-overcharged firing mode is far more accurate at medium and long ranges, although the plasma projectiles tend to arc downward at long range. SPARTANs and Sangheili have the ability to dual-wield plasma pistols, doubling their efficiency in close- to mid-range combat situations. If fired fast enough, the high velocity of the plasma projectile coupled with the force of the kinetic impact, can knock over, or stun infantry. | ||
===Disadvantages=== | ===Disadvantages=== | ||
The plasma pistol, when fired continuously, or when an overcharged bolt is fired, will overheat because of the rapid cycling, loading, ignition, and release sequence of energy. To prevent the weapon from being damaged, the Type-25 DEP temporarily shuts down and opens a cooling vent to allow the excess heat to dissipate before the weapon reactivates. This process leaves the weapon temporarily inoperable. Infantry who are not aware of the function of the plasma pistol can get killed because of this. Human military experts and scientists do not understand how Covenant plasma weapons work, or how they are recharged; as such when the battery is depleted the plasma pistol must be discarded or replaced. At 10% charge level the plasma pistol will begin to misfire, this is due to the battery's inability to deliver enough energy to start and complete the ignition and release phase of operation. As such this hampers the operators use of the weapon. Continuously holding down the trigger while in overcharge mode will rapidly deplete the energy source, and if not careful the weapon can be wasted before firing a single round. Another disadvantage is its short range which is about 10–25 meters depending on the charge level. | The plasma pistol, when fired continuously, or when an overcharged bolt is fired, will overheat because of the rapid cycling, loading, ignition, and release sequence of energy. To prevent the weapon from being damaged, the Type-25 DEP temporarily shuts down and opens a cooling vent to allow the excess heat to dissipate before the weapon reactivates. This process leaves the weapon temporarily inoperable. Infantry who are not aware of the function of the plasma pistol can get killed because of this. Human military experts and scientists do not understand how Covenant plasma weapons work, or how they are recharged; as such when the battery is depleted the plasma pistol must be discarded or replaced. At 10% charge level the plasma pistol will begin to misfire, this is due to the battery's inability to deliver enough energy to start and complete the ignition and release phase of operation. As such this hampers the operators use of the weapon. Continuously holding down the trigger while in overcharge mode will rapidly deplete the energy source, and if not careful the weapon can be wasted before firing a single round. Another disadvantage is its short range which is about 10–25 meters depending on the charge level. | ||
Although the plasma pistol can strike a target at long ranges, it is not suited for long-range combat, due to two distinct properties of the weapon's operation. The first is the rate of thermal expansion which is determined by the rate of the bloom of the bolt; "blooming" is the result of plasma breakdown in the air at energy densities of around a megajoule per cubic centimeter. This effect causes the plasma to defocus and dissolve into the atmosphere. It can be more severe if there is fog, smoke, or dust in the air. As the bolt is accelerated away from the "barrel" of the weapon the plasma begins to decay as a result of the weakening magnetic field. Speed also factors in to this, the faster the bolt is accelerated, the farther the bolt will travel before the temperature of plasma begins to decay and the magnetic field becomes unstable and finally dissipates. As the bolt loses velocity it also loses kinetic damage as it travels longer distances. | Although the plasma pistol can strike a target at long ranges, it is not suited for long-range combat, due to two distinct properties of the weapon's operation. The first is the rate of thermal expansion which is determined by the rate of the bloom of the bolt; "blooming" is the result of plasma breakdown in the air at energy densities of around a megajoule per cubic centimeter. This effect causes the plasma to defocus and dissolve into the atmosphere. It can be more severe if there is fog, smoke, or dust in the air. As the bolt is accelerated away from the "barrel" of the weapon the plasma begins to decay as a result of the weakening magnetic field. Speed also factors in to this, the faster the bolt is accelerated, the farther the bolt will travel before the temperature of plasma begins to decay and the magnetic field becomes unstable and finally dissipates. As the bolt loses velocity it also loses kinetic damage as it travels longer distances. | ||
=== Changes === | === Changes === | ||
<div class="tabcontainer"> | <div class="tabcontainer"> | ||
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* The plasma pistol now has 400 shots before it runs out of ammo. | * The plasma pistol now has 400 shots before it runs out of ammo. | ||
* The plasma pistol is now purple instead of blue; it also appears to be smaller than in ''Halo 2''. | * The plasma pistol is now purple instead of blue; it also appears to be smaller than in ''Halo 2''. | ||
<big>'''''Halo 3: ODST'''''</big> | <big>'''''Halo 3: ODST'''''</big> | ||
*The plasma bolts in ''ODST'' are somewhat smaller and less pronounced than in ''Halo 3''. | *The plasma bolts in ''ODST'' are somewhat smaller and less pronounced than in ''Halo 3''. | ||
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{{clear}} | {{clear}} | ||
</div> | </div> | ||
==UNSC remarks== | |||
== | |||
*"''It’s a damned ray gun—how come we don’t have ray guns?''" | *"''It’s a damned ray gun—how come we don’t have ray guns?''" | ||
*"''It’s great in built-up areas and clearing buildings. Anything over a couple dozen meters though? Not so much.''" | *"''It’s great in built-up areas and clearing buildings. Anything over a couple dozen meters though? Not so much.''" | ||
*"''How the foxtrot does it track anything? Whatever—I guess that’s why I carry an MA5 instead of a [[TACPAD]].''" | *"''How the foxtrot does it track anything? Whatever—I guess that’s why I carry an MA5 instead of a [[TACPAD]].''" | ||
*"''It’s just the right size and it feels good in your hands, but give me an [[M7]] or an MA5 any day of the week.''" | *"''It’s just the right size and it feels good in your hands, but give me an [[M7]] or an MA5 any day of the week.''" | ||
==Trivia== | ==Trivia== | ||
{{Linkbox|gameplay=yes|gallery=yes}} | {{Linkbox|gameplay=yes|gallery=yes}} | ||
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*In ''[[Halo 2 Vista]]'', if the player is carrying the plasma pistol and are in [[active camouflage]], one may see a polygon near the front of the weapon. In ''Halo 3'', while using active camouflage, one can see a square where the heat monitor is. This indicates the hologram is a polygon. | *In ''[[Halo 2 Vista]]'', if the player is carrying the plasma pistol and are in [[active camouflage]], one may see a polygon near the front of the weapon. In ''Halo 3'', while using active camouflage, one can see a square where the heat monitor is. This indicates the hologram is a polygon. | ||
*In the "Extras" section of the ''[[Halo 3: The Official Strategy Guide]]'', it is stated incorrectly that the plasma pistol has a clip size of 10/100 when it does not have a clip size at all. | *In the "Extras" section of the ''[[Halo 3: The Official Strategy Guide]]'', it is stated incorrectly that the plasma pistol has a clip size of 10/100 when it does not have a clip size at all. | ||
==Gallery== | ==Gallery== | ||
<gallery> | <gallery> | ||
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File:Model Plasma Pistol.jpg|The plasma pistol as a [[Jasman Toys|Laser Tag Replica]]. | File:Model Plasma Pistol.jpg|The plasma pistol as a [[Jasman Toys|Laser Tag Replica]]. | ||
</gallery> | </gallery> | ||
===''Halo 4'' skins=== | ===''Halo 4'' skins=== | ||
<gallery> | <gallery> | ||
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File:H4-PlasmaPistol-SteelSkin.png|BPL(Boilerplate) Skin. | File:H4-PlasmaPistol-SteelSkin.png|BPL(Boilerplate) Skin. | ||
</gallery> | </gallery> | ||
===Halo Online variants=== | ===Halo Online variants=== | ||
<gallery> | <gallery> | ||
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File:PPistolOnlinePower.jpeg|The golden Power Plasma Pistol in Halo Online on Diamondback. | File:PPistolOnlinePower.jpeg|The golden Power Plasma Pistol in Halo Online on Diamondback. | ||
</gallery> | </gallery> | ||
==List of appearances== | ==List of appearances== | ||
{{Col-begin}} | {{Col-begin}} | ||
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*''[[Halo: Lone Wolf]]'' | *''[[Halo: Lone Wolf]]'' | ||
{{Col-end}} | {{Col-end}} | ||
==Sources== | ==Sources== | ||
<references/> | <references/> | ||
{{Covenant Weapons}} | {{Covenant Weapons}} | ||
[[Category:Covenant infantry weapons]] | [[Category:Covenant infantry weapons]] | ||
[[Category:Infantry plasma weapons]] | [[Category:Infantry plasma weapons]] | ||