Type-50 Sniper Rifle system

The Particle Beam Rifle is a Covenant ground weapon.

Background
The Beam Rifle is an extremely powerful weapon capable of sniping enemies from long ranges. A single headshot is enough to neutralize an enemy while a shot to the body will collapse an enemie's Shields. Unlike the Human Sniper Rifle, the Beam Rifle runs on a battery much like Plasma Pistols and Plasma Rifles do. These rifles are abundant in Halo 2, being used primarily by sniper Jackals. Their scope seems to be smartlinked, like the M6D Pistols, however it is unknown how members of the Covenant use the scope.

Advantages
The Particle Beam rifle can usually kill most enemies in 1-2 shots. It also has little recoil and is mostly quiet, giving it an advantage over the human Sniper Rifle. There is not a need to reload. The Beam Rifle can also be used to shoot two fast shots, at the cost of temporary overheating. This can be used to quickly dispose of an oncoming enemy.

Disadvantages
The beam of bright purple light is much more obvious if some what quicker at dissipating then the sniper rifles vapor trail. Another disadvantage is it is slightly less powerful and accurate than the human counterpart, and like some other Covenant weapons, it suffers from overheating problems. Also, once the rifle is used up, which occurs in around 18 shots, the rifle must be replaced.

Campaign Recommendations
When using the PBR, try to snipe out as many Covenant as possible before you move in to kill the rest. Also, you should keep a good secondary weapon, such as the Covenant Carbine or a Battle Rifle, in case an enemy moves too close to use the Beam Rifle effectively. Another secondary weapon would the human Sniper Rifle because you would have more chances to snipe. Later on in the campaign of Halo 2, it is wise to keep a good close quarters weapon because the PBR is not very effective against the Flood.

Try to pick it up as much as possible after you kill someone who has it. It is one of the most powerful weapons in the game and is useful in almost any encounter.

Multiplayer Recommendations
The Particle Beam Rifle is featured in most large multiplayer maps such as Colossus and Relic. In Multiplayer, getting the Beam Rifle should be a priority. Its long range and lethal headshot capabilities offer a huge advantage whether you are on the offense or defense. Picking up Active Camoflauge will allow you to snipe enemies while remaining stealthy. Remember to keep a good close range weapon such as the M90 Shotgun so that you will be able to fight enemies too close to kill with the Beam Rifle.

Sniper Medals
In Multiplayer, A player can earn the following medals while using the Beam Rifle:
 * Sniper Kill Medal - Kill an opponent with the Beam Rifle.
 * Sniper Spree Medal - Snipe 5 opponents in a row without dying.
 * Sharpshooter Medal - Snipe 10 opponents in a row without dying.

Battle Tip
On the level, The Great Journey, Sergeant Johnson uses the beam rifle to deactivate Tartarus' shield. The player can also instead obtain a beam rifle before the battle and use that to lower the chieftain's shield instead of waiting for Johnson to complete the job. However, Tartarus' shield returns much faster if the second option is taken.

Character Compatibility

 * Elites
 * Spartans
 * Marines
 * Jackals
 * Brutes (Shown on the back of a Brute in the second ViDoc)
 * Drones (Have animation but not used)
 * Flood Combat Form (Human)
 * Flood Combat Form (Elite)

Trivia

 * A similar weapon like this rifle was originally going to be included in Halo PC under the name "Gravity Rifle".
 * On the map Ivory Tower, it was originally going to spawn instead of the Sniper Rifle that does now. Why it changed is unknown.
 * In campaign mode on Legendary difficulty, the Beam Rifle can kill you in one hit, no matter where it hits. This can be unbelievably frustrating, especially in the level Outskirts and Delta Halo, and actually makes Sniper Jackals the most dangerous enemy in the game.
 * Leading up to Halo 2's release, the Beam Rifle was not yet confirmed. Instead, it was only mentioned that there would be a Covenant Sniper Rifle. Many believed that the Covenant Carbine and the new, unnamed sniper weapon were one in the same.