The SMG, or Sub Machine Gun, is the standard human weapon in Halo 2. It is meant for close ranged continuous fire, and is highly inaccurate. Some people jokingly say "just don't aim for your target and you'll be sure to hit it!" which isn't far off. This is not a gun you want to use by itself if you can avoid it.

Dual Wield: Yes.

Suggested Combo: SMG and Plasma Rifle

The Magnum pistol replaces the Halo 1 pistol in Halo 2. To players used to the high powered long ranged punch of the previous pistol, the Magnum can be a bit disappointing. This stripped down version lacks the power and range of the previous pistol, as well as the handy scope. Still, the Magnum is a powerful weapon if used right. when an enemies shields are down, a few good pops to the face will put them on the ground.

Dual Wield: Yes.

Suggested Combo: Magnum and Plasma rifle/pistol.

The Battle rifle is one of the most powerful and versatile human weapons in the game. It functions similarly to the Halo 1 pistol, with long range and high power. Three direct head shots will kill a fully shielded opponent. When used with a plasma pistol, it is known as the "Noob Combo", a much hated and extremely deadly mix. the plasma pistol takes out the shields instantly, and the battle rifle to the head kills instantly. two shots, dead before they can move. w00t.

Dual Wield: No.

Suggested Combo: Plasma pistol (charged) then BR to head.

The shotgun plays the same role it does in almost all games, get up close then shoot them in the chest for a quick kill. Don't bother trying to use this at range, if your opponent is more than 10 feet away your just wasting your ammo.

Dual Wield: No.

Suggested Combo: Shotgun and anything long ranged

The sniper rifle is for, obviously, sniping. It can take down an opponent in two shots, or one if you nail them in the head. if you get good with it, the sniper can be used at close range to "noscope" enemies, or hit them without even bothering to zoom in. Blowing off an opponents head who thinks they have a defenseless sniper cornered and screaming "NO-SCOPE" over the mic is one of the most satisfying things in the game, in my opinion.

Dual Wield: No.

Suggested Combo: Something mid-short ranged.

The rocket launcher is with little argument one of the most powerful weapons in the game. Having only two shots per clip, the launcher is designed to blow enemies away with its large explosive shells. Aim for your enemies feet to keep from missing them, the splash damage will kill them even if they jump out of the way.

Dual Wield: No.

Suggested Combo: Something short ranged to keep from suiciding.

Other: When the targeter is over a vehicle or turret, wait till it turns red and hold down the trigger. This will cause the rocket to lock on, following the vehicle and blowing it to pieces.

The plasma pistol is the standard covenant weapon for grunts, jackals, and some drones. these pistols are ridiculously weak with single shots, and fire slowly, but a single overcharged attack will COMPLETLEY drain an enemies shield. These are best used as a sidearm, finish up with a quick melee or a burst from a projectile weapon to finish your opponent quickly.

Dual Wield: Yes

Suggested Combo: Magnum if dual wielding, otherwise Battle Rifle (suggested)

Other: Hold down the right trigger to overcharge the pistol, release to let the shot fly. slight homing capabilities when fully charged.

The plasma rifle is the standard weapon for most Covenant elites. Its rapid firing plasma works well against shields, but it will overheat if you fire continuously for to long. This gun is best used along with a Magnum or SMG to finish the opponent once the plasma takes out the shields.

Dual Wield: Yes

Suggested Combo: Magnum or SMG

Probably the most random weapon in the game, the Needler fires homing needles at the enemy. Yep, needles. Despite the relatively low damage the needles do on impact, they explode several seconds afterwards, which can be devastating. If your dual wielding these guys against an opponent (works AWESOME against brutes), all they will see is lots of pink flying towards their screen before their body detonates from the hundreds of needles in it.

Dual Wield: Yes

Suggested Combo: Another needler.

Similarly to the BR, the carbine fires long ranged and powerful shots designed for mid to long range firing. A few good head shots will neutralize most enemies, and one will do if you punch out their shields with a plasma pistol before hand.

Dual Wield: No

Suggested Combo: Plasma Pistol

The beam rifle is the covenant equivalent of the human sniper. It fires a concentrated purple beam of ownage, but in most respects its just a sniper rifle that doesn't require a reload. Careful though, it will overheat if you fire to fast.

Dual Wield: No.

Suggested Combo: Anything short to mid ranged as a backup, or the human sniper if your playing hardball. >: )

Arguably the best short ranged weapon in the game, the energy sword will kill in two hits, or one if you have your targeter locked on your enemy. Usually you wont pass up a chance to take one of these, as they make quick work..... well.. instant work of almost any enemy. Also, in multi player the sword has infinite energy, so there's no limit to the fun!

Dual Wield: No

Suggested Combo: Something long ranged so you don't get picked off while you wave your sword around like an idiot.