Halo Infinites Rumored MA5K Carbine Explained

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Halo Infinites Rumored MA5K Carbine Explained

Key Takeaways

  • Halo Infinite may soon add the MA5K Avenger SMG, according to rumors.
  • The MA5 series rifles, including the MA5K, have a rich history in the Halo universe, including the novels.
  • While the addition of the MA5K would be great, more unique weapons need to be added to diversify Halo Infinite’s arsenal.

As a seasoned gamer who has been part of the Halo universe since its inception, I can confidently say that the rumored addition of the MA5K Avenger SMG in Halo Infinite is music to my ears! The rich history and lore behind this weapon make it an exciting addition for any fan, especially those like me who have fond memories of using the MA5 series in various games.

Ever since the Bandit rifle made its debut as Halo Infinite’s first post-launch weapon around a year and a half ago, there’s been a buzz in the gaming community about what could be next. While the Bandit EVO was indeed introduced in October 2023 during Season 5: Reckoning, it wasn’t exactly a completely new weapon – more like an upgraded version of the original Bandit with a scope attached. Now, I can’t wait to see what fresh firepower Halo Infinite might bring our way!

Based on a post by reliable Halo Infinite leaker Surasia, game developers at 343 Industries plan to introduce a new weapon called the MA5K. Although they haven’t announced an official release date for this weapon, fans are eagerly anticipating its arrival since it will make its debut in actual Halo games instead of expanded media.

The History of Halo’s MA5 Series Rifles

For fans of the Halo universe, the term ‘MA5’ might ring a bell as it refers to the MA5 Individual Combat Weapon System – a line of rifles produced by Misriah Armory, one of the earliest weapon series used by the UNSC. Though the name ‘MA5’ is scarcely uttered or displayed in games, players have been using an MA5 rifle since Halo: Combat Evolved debuted in 2001, specifically the Assault Rifle labeled as MA5B. Over time, designs of the MA5 Assault Rifle have evolved and can be found in Halo 3, Halo 3: ODST, Halo: Reach, Halo 4, Halo 5: Guardians, and most recently, Halo Infinite, designated as the MA40.

In the 2006 novel “Halo: Ghosts of Onyx”, the MA5K weapon made its debut, featuring on the book’s cover and used by Spartans Frederic-104, Kelly-087, and Kurt-051. Unlike other MA5 models, the MA5K is not categorized as an Assault Rifle but rather a carbine, exhibiting characteristics that blend aspects of both the Assault and Battle Rifles. Contrary to the Covenant Carbine, the MA5K operates fully automatically, like an Assault Rifle, instead of being semi-automatic. Primarily wielded by UNSC Special Forces, particularly Spartan-3 program members, it was last seen in action during the Battle of Zeta Halo in the novel “Halo: The Rubicon Protocol”.

The MA5 series weapon is a common feature in the main Halo games, with the exception of Halo 2. Unlike other games in the series, Halo 2 doesn’t include an Assault Rifle. However, this weapon was incorporated into the multiplayer mode of the Halo 2 Anniversary edition, which was released in 2014.

The MA5K’s Potential Role in Halo Infinite

Based on leaks from Surasia about the MA5K in Halo: Infinite, the weapon is expected to be known as the MA5K Avenger and will fall under the submachine gun (SMG) category. Since there’s no dual-wielding feature in Halo: Infinite, the MA5K Avenger might function more like the SMG seen in Halo 5 rather than the SMGs found in Halo 2 and Halo 3. If it functions like Halo 5’s SMG, it could serve as an alternative automatic weapon for close-quarters combat, much like how the Assault Rifle is used at a distance and the Bandit acts as a mid-range substitute for the Battle Rifle in Halo games. Should it operate similarly to the SMG, 343 Industries might design a new model for the MA5K Avenger that resembles the classic SMG, much like they did with the Evolved MA5 model for the Assault Rifle and the M99A2S3 Stanchion for the Sniper Rifle.

The release timeline for the MA5K could align with Halo 2’s 20th anniversary, which is coming up next. This is because the story of Ghosts of Onyx unfolded concurrently with Halo 2’s events. It’s possible that the MA5K will be introduced as part of a Halo 2-themed event or season, possibly alongside the recently leaked Halo 2 Mark 6 armor set, which is rumored to be an armor kit similar to the previously released Halo: Combat Evolved Mark 5 armor. As for Halo Infinite, we know about two upcoming events, Champions and Halloween Operations. However, it’s not expected that the MA5K will debut during the Halloween-themed operation.

Halo Infinite’s Stagnated Weapon Catalog

Introducing the MA5K to Halo Infinite’s arsenal will undoubtedly be a delight for players, expanding the variety of weapons. However, it’s essential to continue enriching the game with more items. Although Infinite aimed to minimize redundancy in its weapon lineup compared to Halo 4 and 5, some argue that the Bandit and MA5K overlap roles similar to the Assault and Battle Rifle. While 343 Industries has created unique weapons like the gravity hammer-equipped shotgun and Falcon vehicle, they haven’t been released yet. To make Halo Infinite even more engaging, it would be ideal to reintroduce some distinctive weapons, such as the Sticky Detonator, Brute Shot, and Needler Rifle, along with others, in future updates.

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2024-08-24 19:13