The Sidekick, a starting weapon in Halo Infinite, has sparked a heated debate among players. Many believe that it is too powerful and needs to be addressed. However, there is no clear consensus on how to fix the issue.
One player suggested that Halo Infinite should consider introducing a new starting loadout for casual four-vs-four modes. The current use of the Sidekick, along with mechanics like bloom, is seen as detrimental to the overall gameplay experience. This concern is amplified by the recent release of the Halo 3 Refueled playlist, which features Assault Rifle and Sidekick starts instead of the expected Battle Rifle.
Bloom, a mechanic that introduces randomness in gunfights, has always been a contentious topic in the Halo community. Many players find it frustrating to lose a duel due to luck rather than skill. One player expressed this frustration, questioning how they could be killed quickly at range while being on target themselves.
Opinions on how to address the Sidekick issue vary greatly. Some players support Assault Rifle-only starts, while others suggest nerfing the Sidekick to require more bullets per kill. However, there are concerns that reducing the pistol’s lethality would render it useless. Some players even argue that the Sidekick, with or without bloom, does not belong in Halo at all.
Another proposed solution is to replace the Sidekick with the default Bandit rifle. The original Bandit has a similar short range to the Sidekick but offers more consistency with its slower fire rate and zero bloom. This idea gained support when an Assault Rifle and Bandit loadout was tested in Big Team Battle.
Considering the current state of Halo Infinite, it may be time for experimentation. The competitive scene has already seen a major sandbox shift with the replacement of Battle Rifle starts by the Bandit Evo. Casual playlists could benefit from a similar approach.
By making changes to the starting weapons, players can determine their preferences and provide valuable feedback. If the Sidekick starts are preferred, the changes can be reverted. However, the frustration surrounding Halo’s social modes necessitates some attempt to find a better solution.
Source: DOTESPORTS
