Halo: Reach Forum
This topic has moved here: Subject: Remove the BR from Halo: Reach
  • Subject: Remove the BR from Halo: Reach
Subject: Remove the BR from Halo: Reach

I like cheese more than you
Except Blue Stilton. That stuff is nasty. As is any cheese that contains stuff other than cheese

I can think of two different solutions for this "BR problem"

One way would be to adapt the existing BR. I propose that we should increase the shots fired from 3 to 4 per burst, but keep the 4-shot ability, as this will make it so that only two people can be killed per magazine.By increasing the reload time, this would leave the user vunerable to a counter-attack, weakening the BR slightly

Another way would be to scrap it completely, and replace it with the MA5K Assult rifle. It looks simlar to the BR, but without the scope. In the books it is fully automatic, but so is the BR, so perhaps for gameplay reasons give it burst fire. This will make the weapon less of a useable weapon compared to the BR, but still being a worthy weapon, as the BR can kill without the scope.

Also, there exists the M6J carbine, which is a M6 with a stock. Perhaps that could replace the BR, but I'm not so sure about that one, as it is an Army varient, not the marines.

  • 07.20.2009 5:02 PM PDT
Subject: Alter/Replace the BR in Halo: Reach Update-7/16/09 New weapons added
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<3 i totally agree

  • 07.20.2009 5:33 PM PDT
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I also strongly believe that spawn weapons should be needlers and brute spikers then every one can be amazing at nothingness ftwsz0rz

  • 07.20.2009 5:35 PM PDT

together, all of you AR wielding staff captains will cry so much about getting 4-shotted by a br that you will end up ruining the balanced gameplay of the game, in turn ruining the whole concept of halo itself.

(really, the AR is already overpowering at short range. Why do you want it to be even longer distance AND take away its spread? Talk about equalling the playing field)

  • 07.20.2009 6:11 PM PDT

There's probably no god. Now stop
worrying and get on with your life.

Posted by: II SunDeviI II
together, all of you AR wielding staff captains will cry so much about getting 4-shotted by a br that you will end up ruining the balanced gameplay of the game, in turn ruining the whole concept of halo itself.

(really, the AR is already overpowering at short range. Why do you want it to be even longer distance AND take away its spread? Talk about equalling the playing field)
The BR is not balanced. It is simply the best weapon in the game. It's good for almost any situation.

  • 07.20.2009 6:16 PM PDT

Multiplayer Gameplay
Halo:CE------------------Reach--------Halo2-----------------H alo3
Campaign Experience
Reach----Halo:CE-----------------ODST-----Halo2---------Halo3

Glad that Halo 3 garbage is dead, thanks to Reach.
Unfreakenbelievable!!

Posted by: wii60 owner
The BR is not balanced. It is simply the best weapon in the game. It's good for almost any situation.
I could say the same thing about the Sniper, the Turret, the Carbine, and the M6G Magnum. So because close-ranged weapons (weapons that can ONLY be used within a very short range) can usually be beaten by more range advantageous weapons, that makes them overpowered? No, sir. As long as a game has 1-hit kill Power Weapons, Power-ups, Vehicles, and large maps, you need weapons that can balance the gameplay. If you want a balanced game, then don't remove the things that secure what balance Halo has left.

  • 07.20.2009 6:25 PM PDT

There's probably no god. Now stop
worrying and get on with your life.

Posted by: ODST is a SCAM
Posted by: wii60 owner
Posted by: II SunDeviI II
together, all of you AR wielding staff captains will cry so much about getting 4-shotted by a br that you will end up ruining the balanced gameplay of the game, in turn ruining the whole concept of halo itself.

(really, the AR is already overpowering at short range. Why do you want it to be even longer distance AND take away its spread? Talk about equalling the playing field)
The BR is not balanced. It is simply the best weapon in the game. It's good for almost any situation.


well its a utilitarian weapon...so ya

its perfectly balanced..maybe underpowered in halo 3

it will suffice in the adjacent ranges but will fail more often than not to the the more specified weapons
It is not underpowered at all. The more specified weapons are never there, you hardly ever see the PR or Spiker getting used.

  • 07.20.2009 6:30 PM PDT

Multiplayer Gameplay
Halo:CE------------------Reach--------Halo2-----------------H alo3
Campaign Experience
Reach----Halo:CE-----------------ODST-----Halo2---------Halo3

Glad that Halo 3 garbage is dead, thanks to Reach.
Unfreakenbelievable!!

Posted by: wii60 owner
It is not underpowered at all. The more specified weapons are never there, you hardly ever see the PR or Spiker getting used.
Um, I use the Plasma Rifle and Plasma Pistol frequently. I don't use the Spiker because I don't like to use it. Just because YOU choose to not use them, does not make the BR overpowered. Have you ever tried taking out shields and then headshotting with the BR? It is more effective than 4-shotting. Right now, with the bullet speed and random spread, these weapons are only useful as close-ranged weapons. They have a specific use. Believe it or not, they demolish most weapons within their effective range.

If you want these weapons to be used more, then complain that they are too limited and get Bungie to improve the bullet speed and tighten the spread.

  • 07.20.2009 6:37 PM PDT
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Posted by: Jiggly Luv
If you want these weapons to be used more, then complain that they are too limited and get Bungie to improve the bullet speed and tighten the spread.

This wouldn't solve anything--you'd just get a few weapons that are even more similar to each other than they are now.

The point with the BR is, it's almost always the best weapon to open an engagement with or end an engagement with. Sure it's slightly less effective when within 10 yards, but how many fights do you encounter in multiplayer which start within that range? Even on small maps most opponents will spot each other before they get that close--unless someone is hiding around corners and such, which is a different kind of problem.

Besides, currently the PR / Spike / AR / SMG only win over the Battlerifle if you don't miss a shot. If your aim is thrown off or the BR user reaches cover, you're entirely boned; there's only a small margin of error for killing a BR user when using one of those weapons assuming they aren't an idiot.

  • 07.21.2009 10:44 AM PDT

Challenge me to a Hawaiian Punch chugging contest. I dare you.


Posted by: mubox47
$.50 in store credit.

Posted by: Opuelast
Posted by: Jiggly Luv
If you want these weapons to be used more, then complain that they are too limited and get Bungie to improve the bullet speed and tighten the spread.

This wouldn't solve anything--you'd just get a few weapons that are even more similar to each other than they are now.

The point with the BR is, it's almost always the best weapon to open an engagement with or end an engagement with. Sure it's slightly less effective when within 10 yards, but how many fights do you encounter in multiplayer which start within that range? Even on small maps most opponents will spot each other before they get that close--unless someone is hiding around corners and such, which is a different kind of problem.

Besides, currently the PR / Spike / AR / SMG only win over the Battlerifle if you don't miss a shot. If your aim is thrown off or the BR user reaches cover, you're entirely boned; there's only a small margin of error for killing a BR user when using one of those weapons assuming they aren't an idiot.
I agree with all of this. It kind of puts my post in a simpler form.

  • 07.21.2009 10:47 AM PDT

Character Artist -- Electronic Arts

Posted by: The EAKLE
Posted by: Opuelast
Posted by: Jiggly Luv
If you want these weapons to be used more, then complain that they are too limited and get Bungie to improve the bullet speed and tighten the spread.

This wouldn't solve anything--you'd just get a few weapons that are even more similar to each other than they are now.

The point with the BR is, it's almost always the best weapon to open an engagement with or end an engagement with. Sure it's slightly less effective when within 10 yards, but how many fights do you encounter in multiplayer which start within that range? Even on small maps most opponents will spot each other before they get that close--unless someone is hiding around corners and such, which is a different kind of problem.

Besides, currently the PR / Spike / AR / SMG only win over the Battlerifle if you don't miss a shot. If your aim is thrown off or the BR user reaches cover, you're entirely boned; there's only a small margin of error for killing a BR user when using one of those weapons assuming they aren't an idiot.
I agree with all of this. It kind of puts my post in a simpler form.

The generalization he makes is completely unfounded and very contrary to many peoples experiences.

The BR is the tool for the Job the majority of the time, it would be ideal for this to change to increase the diversity of the weapons people actively use.

But you would be surprised how effective the dual wields can be.

  • 07.21.2009 10:55 AM PDT
Subject: Remove the BR from Halo: Reach

Watch out... I can be anywhere...

Posted by: ABotelho
Posted by: Runic Aries
Posted by: The EAKLE
Posted by: Runic Aries
/facepalm
I guess you did not read my epic post. Or you cant handle the truth.


The reason that people were satisfied with the AR and Pistol in Halo CE was because the Pistol was much more accurate and destructive than it is now, the equivalent of a BR. In halo 2 the BR became popular because the Pistol was less powerful and less accurate, Multiplayer also had an effect on the battle rifle, which wasnt added until Halo 2.

Dont assume everyone who posts is an idiot and that you are awesome.

The difference of single shot and burst fire made all the difference. If you think about it, we could just make the BR single shot, reduce it's clip, and it should work like the OP described for a new pistol.

Posted by: ABotelho
Posted by: Runic Aries
Posted by: The EAKLE
Posted by: Runic Aries
/facepalm
I guess you did not read my epic post. Or you cant handle the truth.


The reason that people were satisfied with the AR and Pistol in Halo CE was because the Pistol was much more accurate and destructive than it is now, the equivalent of a BR. In halo 2 the BR became popular because the Pistol was less powerful and less accurate, Multiplayer also had an effect on the battle rifle, which wasnt added until Halo 2.

Dont assume everyone who posts is an idiot and that you are awesome.

The difference of single shot and burst fire made all the difference. If you think about it, we could just make the BR single shot, reduce it's clip, and it should work like the OP described for a new pistol.

Reduce the BR to a futuristic M1 Grand... cool

  • 07.21.2009 11:08 AM PDT
Subject: Alter/Replace the BR in Halo: Reach Update-7/16/09 New weapons added

Challenge me to a Hawaiian Punch chugging contest. I dare you.


Posted by: mubox47
$.50 in store credit.

Posted by: SS_Crow
Posted by: The EAKLE
Posted by: Opuelast
Posted by: Jiggly Luv
If you want these weapons to be used more, then complain that they are too limited and get Bungie to improve the bullet speed and tighten the spread.

This wouldn't solve anything--you'd just get a few weapons that are even more similar to each other than they are now.

The point with the BR is, it's almost always the best weapon to open an engagement with or end an engagement with. Sure it's slightly less effective when within 10 yards, but how many fights do you encounter in multiplayer which start within that range? Even on small maps most opponents will spot each other before they get that close--unless someone is hiding around corners and such, which is a different kind of problem.

Besides, currently the PR / Spike / AR / SMG only win over the Battlerifle if you don't miss a shot. If your aim is thrown off or the BR user reaches cover, you're entirely boned; there's only a small margin of error for killing a BR user when using one of those weapons assuming they aren't an idiot.
I agree with all of this. It kind of puts my post in a simpler form.

The generalization he makes is completely unfounded and very contrary to many peoples experiences.

The BR is the tool for the Job the majority of the time, it would be ideal for this to change to increase the diversity of the weapons people actively use.

But you would be surprised how effective the dual wields can be.
Im not, actually. The weapons were weakened so that they work well in pairs. However, when being used as a pair accuracy, damage, and reload time is affected for the worse. They are even shorter range when used effectively, so the BR gains a larger advantage.

  • 07.21.2009 1:03 PM PDT

I'm getting tired of all these BR topics that talk about the same stuff...
The BR (the one we know and love today) was made to counter the AR. (and SMG?) Changing one means you'd have to change the other... But I leave all the important thinking to Bungie. They seem to have it covered.

  • 07.21.2009 1:12 PM PDT

Many of your points are solidly biased opinions which you present as facts, and many others are flat out wrong.

Anyone who says that the AR is UNDERpowered and the BR OVERpowered is either terrible at the game, or simply doesn't understand the way it works. Both weapons are balanced and work exceptionally well for their intended field of use. The AR is a close range weapon, not a med/long range weapon, while the BR IS intended for med-long range combat. A solid BR can kill an AR user at a distance, while at close range, a smart AR player WILL beat even a good BR player.

Having a BR as a starting weapon provides players with an immediate means to fight against any set up or team with map control. While not as important on closed up maps (where the AR will oft suffice), starting with an AR on maps like Valhalla or High Ground is often a death sentence for a team without map control. Lets say that it's AR starts on Valhalla. Your team pushes top mid to gain map-and-laser control, but you somehow get decimated. The other team now controls top mid and Pelican, with a sniper, laser, and maybe a hog or Banshee up. Off of respawn, your team pushes out with your ARs, and get utterly decimated by team fire, vehicles and power weapons before you can get in range. You might as well call it game over.

With BR starts, the game would be completely different. Even with an unsuccessful top-middle push, your team would spawn with the immediate potential to team-shoot, isolate the power weapon users and take them down. It SOMEWHAT evens the playing field. An AR user is boned if they try to take out a Sniper at any appreciable range; a BR can not only do damage and ping the sniper out of scope, but can even kill the Sniper at range. It won't destroy the sniper, but will provide the potential, based on user skill.

Now, let us consider an entirely new scenario - Team Slayer on... let's take Narrows. With the ample cover and broken lines of sight, an AR user can slip into the enemy base, use the cover in the base (pillars, attic, inner-mohawk, stage, etc) to get quick AR mow-down kills at close range. In the bases, an AR should completely wreck a BR shooter, simply because of the CQC advantage of the AR. You make the claim that "the BR is still powerful at [close] range. Three quick bursts then a melee put's the opposing player down." The AR will do enough damage to the BR's shields for a mele before even two bursts are fired. The AR absolutely DESTROYS the BR at close range. If an AR user cannot beat a BR at close (pistol) distance, then the AR user is simply bad.

Saying that no-one picks up other weapons because of the BR's effectiveness is also untrue. People don't pick up other weapons mainly because of the dominance of SEVERAL weapons, not simply the BR. If you want to pick of the Spikers on Valhalla, good luck buddy, but you'll have to contend with BRs, Snipers, Laser fire, turrets and vehicles. It simply isn't a good choice. But a spiker on Narrows, or guardian can be an absolute NIGHTMARE to contend with. Every weapon has a time an a place. Spikers = CQC. Snipers = Long Range (most effective), those usable anywhere. Shotgun = CQC. AR = CQC/Mid Range. BR? The BR is almost a jack of all trades, good at all but excelling really at none, Better at mid range than at long range or short range, but it NEVER exceeds the effectiveness at close range of the shotgun/spiker/PR/SMG/AR.

Calling the BR a utilitarian weapon may be the one thing you got right. It's that one weapon which MAY work in any situation, but isn't always your best bet. You MIGHT be able to 5 shot (default settings, 4 shots are rare on default) that AR guy at close range in their needle Pit, but the AR would be a safer bet to guarantee the close-ranged kill. At that point, it's the choice that the player makes, and choices are the #1 thing in Halo which separates the Generals from the Commander Grade 2's. If you choose to try and take down a BR at mid range with an AR and get destroyed, don't whine about how overpowered the BR is, rethink your strategy for engaging an enemy with a weapon better suited to the range. By the EXACT same token, BR users/MLG players who claim that the AR is a noob weapon, you're wrong. It's a weapon that dominates (to an overpowered extent) in close range. Choosing to try and BR an AR in such a range is a noob decision, so deal with it.

Basically, it all comes down to how the weapon is used, and at what range, in what situation. Should I start calling the rockets overpowered because they're a one hit kill, or the Sniper Rifle because it is so dominant at long range? No. So quit crying about the fact that the BR is effective at it's intended range - medium range - while also being able to somewhat combat other ranges. The BR doesn't promote camping, a lack of ability to deal with it does. The BR doesn't need changing or 'fixing'. What does need changing is clearly the way in which you (collective to anyone who cries about the BR) deals with the weapon.

  • 07.21.2009 5:26 PM PDT
Subject: Remove the BR from Halo: Reach. (Update-7/16/09 : New weapons added.)

Enemy of my enemy's enemy is still me enemy. Get it?

Posted by: ODST is a SCAM
Posted by: Chief Jaden
The BR fills the neccessary roll of being the most useful weapon in the game...which is not a good thing.


yes it is...halo has always had a utilitarian weapon

Every gun should be considered for use. Not just the BR...and the power weapons.

then give those weapons a use or make them more efficient at the use they already serve
the answer is not to nerf the BR
Halo's utilitarian weapon was supposed to be the AR...any skilled player or any player at all over the rank of 20 will drop the AR for almost anything. Just goes to show you, many people may kill you with it, but most prefer other guns because it sucks.

I do agree that other weapons need to be powered up, especially duals. The BR should be able to be countered at more than just extreme close and long ranges. That way, people just only dont use the BR like they do now.

  • 07.21.2009 5:52 PM PDT
Subject: Alter/Replace the BR in Halo: Reach Update-7/16/09 New weapons added

Halo CE=Chess
Halo 2=Backgammon
Halo 3=Checkers
Halo Reach=Rock-Paper-Scissors

loooong post, but i see where ur going with it. However i dont think anythnig will or should be changed with the br. Really the Br is nary perfect. It doesnt have the insnae range of the Halo 2 br, and its spread and having to lead with ur shots is perfect.

  • 07.21.2009 7:12 PM PDT
Subject: Remove the BR from Halo: Reach

Let there be light, created from fire

I am all i am, i am a team player(when im not pissed), i make great strategies, i will punch you in the face after armor locking, you have to be at sniper distance to not get headshot by my DMR or pistol, wraiths beware, i am DxXOrangesXxD and i am ready to rumble! (When Halo 4 comes out cause Reach is nothing but crap players now)

Oh sure a topic about just the weapons gets this much attention but i cant keep my topic on the front for a few days, nice descriptions anyway

  • 07.21.2009 7:45 PM PDT
Subject: Alter/Replace the BR in Halo: Reach Update-7/16/09 New weapons added

halo reach is placed 20 years or more back before halo ce so the br wasnt made until halo 2 which is in the future.

  • 07.21.2009 7:54 PM PDT

The Joker

Instead of replacing any weapons why doesn't bungie create a rifle that can switch between auto. and semi auto. and then keep the same amount of power as the halo 3 BR. With this new rifle you get the best of both worlds. If you want to go long distance and you want better control switch to semi auto. Then if you want to go close quarters switch to auto so you can unload into the enemy without the three shot burst of semi auto.

  • 07.21.2009 8:11 PM PDT

Big LOLs at all of you kids pretending to know what you're talking about when it comes to Halo 1. Especially the OP. You are just precious.

  • 07.21.2009 8:18 PM PDT
Subject: Remove the BR from Halo: Reach
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I agree with Mava, you're honestly just "annoying." The best way to fix this, in my opinion, however, would be to make a "Ranked BR's", "Ranked AR's", "Social BR's" and "Social AR's" but hell, obviously someone is going to disagree so bring on the flaming. =D

  • 07.22.2009 12:15 AM PDT
Subject: Alter/Replace the BR in Halo: Reach Update-7/16/09 New weapons added
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Agree, With Mal

  • 07.22.2009 12:17 AM PDT