MA5D Individual Combat Weapon System



The MA5D Individual Combat Weapon System is the United Nations Space Command standard-issue assault rifle after the Human-Covenant War.

Design details
The MA5D ICWS is an exceptionally resilient gas-operated, magazine-fed, automatic rifle designed to execute close-quarters combat with lethal efficiency, regardless of hostile counter-op, environmental conditions, or duration of use in the field. The MA5D fires the 7.62 NATO round. Like previous incarnations, the MA5D also contains a built-in ammo counter and compass.

Strategy

 * Like the MA37 from Reach, the MA5D is a general-purpose weapon. However, it also lacks long-range accuracy, therefore is it well to tag this weapon up with either the DMR or Battle Rifle.
 * Like majority of the Assault Rifles throughout the series, it is best to go full-auto at close range.
 * Be careful when going up against close-range instant-kill weapons. It is best to walk back while firing in effective bursts so you don't have to reload.
 * Try to stick to killing one opponent at the time, because even though the Assault Rifle is good against a shielded or unshielded opponent, going up against two or more might want you to reconsider using a good plasma (Storm Rifle) or Promethean weapon (Scattershot, Suppressor), as those tend to perform better.
 * Firing in bursts will help to control the reticule bloom to provide better accuracy and faster kill times at medium ranges compared to full-auto.

Changes Made from the MA5C ICWS and MA37 ICWS

 * Aesthetic changes made. Now looks more like the MA5C from Halo 3.
 * Maximum ammunition is decreased from 288 to 224. (256 if using the Ammo Tactical Package.) Forces the player to scavenge for ammo more frequently.
 * Different firing sound.
 * The ammo counter uses a new design.
 * Has similar animations to the MA37.
 * Does more damage than the MA37 from Halo: Reach. Returns to the classic 16-round kill on a fully-shielded SPARTAN, assuming all the bullets land on their target.
 * Slightly increased rate of fire.
 * Heavier but more controllable reticle bloom.

Trivia

 * This is the weapon the player starts out with at the start of Halo 4.
 * An exclusive Prime weapon skin for the MA5D is only available for those who purchase the Halo 4 Limited Edition.
 * The sounds for the MA5D were taken from the M-16 and SCAR-H rifles combined together.
 * John-117 is seen wielding the MA5D in most cutscenes.

List of Appearances

 * Halo 4
 * Halo 4: Forward Unto Dawn

Related Pages

 * MA37 Individual Combat Weapon System
 * MA5B Individual Combat Weapon System
 * MA5C Individual Combat Weapon System
 * MA5K Carbine