- last post: 01.01.0001 12:00 AM PDT
Here it is! Something to show you how to use a Needler effectively, and when to use it.
Basic Items You Should Know
-The Needler is a great stealth weapon, as an opponent doesn't get a damage arrow until the needles explode
-The Needler is an 8 shot kill that can sometimes take down others with the blast damage of the explosion
-Needles explode mid-flight if you are too far away
-Because of late damage, a Needler takes a while for the kill, so high tail it or switch weapons as soon as you see contact from the first Needle
When to Use it
The Needler is completely ineffective at long range, and is less effective at a range of less than the length of 2 warthogs. The Needler can be extremely useful in a slayer game that doesn't have a pistol start. If you are in a normal slayer game (plasma pistol starts) this can be considered a very effective weapon. The Needler works best in the smaller maps, and is useful in the Sidewinder tunnels. A Needler is also a great weapon against a sniper. A sniper is often in-scope, and will not see needles coming, therefore, it is very useful to shoot a clip, retreat into hiding, and get the kill.
How to Use It
Aiming is the hardest thing about using the Needler, and a good player can easily beat you in normal combat. This is where most people assume that the needler sucks, they use it for normal combat, instead of a stealth combat weapon. Most unaware players (unless they know a sniper is near) tend to walk in a fairly straight line to wherever they are going. Depending on range, you lead significantly more than other guns. The rule of thumb is the following. If I was standing at one end of Warlock, and you were running across the other, I would aim about 10-20 feet in front of you. If you didn't see me shoot, you would walk right into the path of Needles. A useful tip is to not shoot in a straight line, instead, move your reticule along the path the person will be traveling at about half the speed they can run (in case the notice the attack). Never empty an entire clip unless you are in the middle of a firefight (which I suggest you avoid if they have a pistol or shotgun). When attacking the unaware, shoot half the clip at most, and 8 shots at the least. Remember that people don't notice they are punctured unless they hear the noise of a shot breaking, this is extremely effective against snipers. You should also take note that the Needler is the worst thing other than a plasma pistol against a vehicle.
Counter Tactics
If you see the shots being fired, you can counter very easily. Wait for the Needles to get about five feet away, and jump to the right or left. You can also duck behind a hill or wall when they get too close for comfort. In a map where you know a needler user is likely to be, don't be consistent with your path. At random intervals, change direction, crouch and do things you would do when avoiding a sniper (god no please don't jump).