Halo’s futuristic weapons are being brought to life by two real-world firearms part manufacturers. High-concept weapons like powerful sniper rifles that can kill an enemy in one shot and intense laser beams have all been featured in Microsoft and 343 Industries’ sci-fi FPS series over the years. Additionally, the Master Chief’s arsenal was bolstered by Halo Infinite’s Grappleshot, which resembles a Spider-Man-like weapon, and the grenade-blocking Deflector in Halo Infinite.
Many of Halo’s guns, like those in most video games, have features that aren’t available in the real world – at least not yet. You can see how much ammo you have left on your Heads-Up Display (HUD) in Halo, and you don’t have to worry about factors like bullet drop or recoil that occur when a gun is fired in the real world. In the realm of gaming and science fiction, these features seem to be confined, but two companies are currently working on a weapon mod that could make some of the high-tech functionalities of Halo’s weapons a reality.
The X4 Fire Control System was unveiled by Maztech and Magpul at the SHOT Show 2022 this past weekend, according to Task And Purpose. X4 Fire Control System is a set of electronics that can be added to any low power variable optic rifle to add computer-assisted smart functionality and a feed of helpful data, including a count of how much ammunition is remaining in the gun. Optic mount and laser-assist aiming module, digitally embedded magazines, and a control keypad are also included in this package, allowing the user to know exactly where their target is and to compensate for bullet drop. Even so, Task and Purpose point out that the X4 can be cumbersome to wear, the round-counting display malfunctioned while demonstrating its capabilities, and battery life could be an issue.
Although numerous attempts have been made to recreate video game weapons like Halo’s futuristic guns or God of War’s mystical Leviathan Axe in real life, these have largely been props used for cosplay. As a result of this week’s Halo Infinite Cyber Showdown event, players can earn the cool-looking but slightly off-centre Neon Screen visor in Halo Infinite’s single-player campaign and classic multiplayer shootouts.
Currently, the weapons in Halo are the stuff of science fiction, but as technology advances, previously unimaginable concepts will become a reality. This appears to be the case with the cutting-edge X4 Fire Control System from Maztech and Magpul, which aims to give modern firearms computer functionality similar to Halo.