The Assault Rifle has always been a staple in the Halo series. It is the primary weapon used by Spartans and UNSC marines. Besides the pistol, it is usually one of the first weapons you will begin using. Over the years, this weapon has seen lots of design changes. But the gameplay of the assault rifle remains the same in Halo Infinite.
Technically, the Halo series has featured different variations of this weapon, with the MA40 AR being an older model lore-wise, they all mostly perform the same. However, the MA40 AR has one of the highest magazine capacities and the fastest firing rate compared to past assault rifles in Halo. Proving that while it may be older, it can still compete with a lot of weapons in the Halo universe.
The Assault Rifle has rarely changed from game to game, but it does seem to be in a much better place here. Let’s dive deeper and find out why.
MA40 AR (Assault Rifle) General Information
- Weapon Type: Assault Rifle
- Manufacturer: Misriah Armory
- Ammunition Type: Kinetic
- Magazine Size: 36
- Rate of Fire: Fully Automatic
- Perfect Time To Kill (Multiplayer): 15 Shots (12 body shots and 3 headshots.)
The MA40 AR is a fully automatic assault rifle in Halo Infinite manufactured by the Misriah Armory. It is primarily used by the UNSC. It works wonderfully when dealing with opponents in the close to medium range.
Unlike most kinetic weapons, this weapon doesn’t kill unshielded opponents with a shot to the head. This weapon will be your primary starting weapon in Quick Play. However, this weapon is swapped out with the Battle Rifle in Ranked Arena matches.
Best Maps to Use the Assault Rifle in Halo Infinite
The great thing about the MA40 is that it is suitable for all maps in Halo Infinite. In all honesty, it has to be good for every map considering it is your starting weapon. Unless you are playing Ranked, then your starting weapon will be the Battle Rifle. However, it doesn’t matter if you are playing Quickplay or Big Team Battle, you will always start with the MA40 AR in your hand.
Arena maps are more suitable for this weapon because of their size compared to larger maps. The assault rifle is fantastic in Halo Infinite multiplayer at close and medium range. The only other non-power weapons that can compete with it are the Bulldog and the Sentinel Beam in Halo Infinite. Maybe the Battle Rifle, but only if you are more distant from the player.
This weapon can do work on Big Team Battle maps, but considering how many weapon dispensers are near the base, you are better off picking up a precision weapon. If no weapons are available, then feel free to use the MA40 AR. However, Precision weapons and power weapons reign supreme in this game mode. The best situation to use this weapon is during capture-based game modes.
For example, the Total Control game mode requires you to be offensive or defensive. If you are defending one of your captured points then the Assault Rifle is a great weapon to mow down enemies. The same can be said for going on the offensive. A few well-placed grenades in Halo Infinite can knock down the enemy shields a bit. Then feel free to try and clean them up with the MA40 AR with a volley of bullets.
Halo Infinite Assault Rifle Tips and Tricks
The MA40 Assault Rifle is one of the most straightforward weapons in Halo Infinite. Just spray and pray. Honestly, it is pretty accurate and kills someone within seconds if you hit every shot. However, it still requires using it strategically. So here are some quick tips that should help.
Go Full Auto (Close and Medium Range)
This weapon is all about holding down the trigger and unloading a whole clip into someone. If your opponent is in close range or less than 15 meters away from you, then by all means just fire as many bullets as possible. The weapon drills will help determine how far away an opponent is if you don’t know.
Related Article: How to Report a Player in Halo Infinite
Shorter Bursts with the Assault Rifle Work Best at Long Range in Halo Infinite
While it is better to continuously fire the weapon, for better accuracy at long ranges, try using short bursts. Only resort to this option if you have no precision weapon as a secondary. Short bursts will help keep the gun accurate. Sadly, this gun isn’t going to be killing anyone at long ranges, it is mainly to stop their shield from regenerating and provide support to teammates.
Pair the Assault Rifle with a Precision Weapon in Halo Infinite
The Assault Rifle is one of the only kinetic weapons that doesn’t kill an opponent with 1 bullet to the head while unshielded. It takes 3 shots to the head. For this reason, it is best to have a precision weapon as your secondary that you can swap to for an easy kill. The VK78 Commando, BR75, and MK50 Sidekick pistol are all good choices to have as backups and can kill with one shot to the head on an unshielded opponent.
Weapon Spread Increases While Firing
The MA40 AR is quite accurate at closer distances and also has low recoil. But the longer you constantly fire the weapon, the bigger the weapon bullet spread gets. After firing 15 to 20 bullets, your bullets are going to be shooting way out of the reticle. While very close range to an opponent, this won’t matter much. However, even at medium-range, it will start to become a problem.
Conclusion
The MA40 AR is a great starting weapon and the Assualt Rifle has never been better. Most players will be getting most of their kills with this weapon unless they pick up a power weapon. Low recoil, reasonable damage, and good accuracy make this weapon hard to deal with.
It is hard to escape from the Assault Rifle in Halo Infinite. A constant barrage of bullets with a fairly quick reload speed helps push this rifle to one of the best weapons in Halo Infinite. What are your thoughts on the MA40 AR? Is it a great starting weapon? Feel free to sound off in the comment section below.
For more great insights into how to use Halo Infinite’s arsenal, check out our guide to using the Ravager in multiplayer.
