Welcome to GamesBeat’s Halo 4 Multiplayer Unlock Guide. We’re not about to try and tell you which loadout configurations to use or the best way to rack up kills in matchmaking — that’s up to you and your preferred style. This guide simply provides information on what equipment and special abilities are available to you, what they do, and when you’ll get them.
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The primary currency in Halo 4 multiplayer is Spartan Rank (SR) and Spartan Points (SP). Spartan Rank just means your level, and you can increase your rank from 1 to 50 by earning XP in competitive matchmaking. You gain one Spartan Point per rank, will you can use to purchase and equip new loadout options once you’re a high enough level to access them.
Loadouts
You can have up to five custom loadouts in Halo 4, but you’ll have to work to unlock four of them. Why? Because Call of Duty did it, I suppose.
Loadout 1: Unlocked by default
Loadout 2: Unlocked at SR-6
Loadout 3: Unlocked at SR-14
Loadout 4: Unlocked at SR-26
Loadout 5: Unlocked at SR-41
PRIMARY WEAPON
Assault Rifle
Unlocked by default
The standard fully automatic firearm of all UNSC branches. It’s effective at both close-range and midrange combat.
Battle Rifle
Unlock at SR-2
Cost: 1 SP
It has a precise, three-round burst, making it a formidable midrange semi-automatic weapon.
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DMR
Unlock at SR-2
Cost: 1 SP
The premiere marksman rifle of the UNSC offers impressive single-fire accuracy at reasonably long distances.
Storm Rifle
Unlock at SR-5
Cost: 2 SP
This fully automatic energy weapon is widely considered the successor to the traditional Plasma Rifle.
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Covenant Carbine
Unlock at SR-5
Cost: 2 SP
It has notable semi-automatic midrange accuracy, firing ballistic rounds, unlike most Covenant weapons.
Suppressor
Unlock at SR-22
Cost: 2 SP
This fully automatic Forerunner infantry weapon fires bolts of hard light in rapidly accelerating succession.
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LightRifle
Unlock at SR-22
Cost: 2 SP
A precision weapon that fires beams of hard light for midrange to long-range combat.
SECONDARY WEAPON
Magnum
Unlocked by default
The UNSC’s personal sidearm of choice due to its excellence at close-range to midrange engagements.
Plasma Pistol
Unlock at SR-8
Cost: 2 SP
This Semi-automatic energy weapon capable of a scaled-burst effect that disables electronics.
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Boltshot
Unlock at SR-18
Cost: 2SP
This Forerunner particle dilator is used for both its precision at midrange and its burst functionality when up close.
GRENADE
Frag Grenade
Unlocked by default
The Fragmentation Grenade, which has existed relatively unchanged for centuries, is used to efficiently clear any dug-in enemies.
Plasma Grenade
Unlock at SR-8
Cost: 2 SP
When triggered, the Plasma Grenade is engulfed in latent plasma, which helps it cling to targets before detonating.
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Pulse Grenade
Unlock at SR-18
Cost: 2 SP
The Pulse Grenade forcefully detonates and forms a hazardous ionization sphere that eventually collapses, destroying any nearby targets.
ARMOR ABILITY (unlocked at SR-3)
Promethean Vision
Unlock at SR-3
Cost: 2 SP
This detects enemy signatures through walls and other hard surfaces.
Thruster Pack
Unlock at SR-3
Cost: 2 SP
It enables a powerful burst of movement, helping you evade or quickly close the gap.
Jet Pack
Unlock at SR-6
Cost: 3 SP
This grants limited flight through a vertical life propulsion system similar to that of EVA reentry packs.
Hologram
Unlock at SR-6
Cost: 3 SP
It generates a nearly identical holographic decoy to deceive enemies during combat.
Hardlight Shield
Unlock at SR-10
Cost: 3 SP
This generates a protective barrier of hard light which stops most small arms fire and some explosives.
Active Camouflage
Unlock at SR-10
Cost: 3 SP
It generates a visual effect astonishingly close to invisibility.
Autosentry
Unlock at SR-16
Cost: 3 SP
An automated turret that you can deploy to defend yourself or command a key battlefield chokepoint.
Regeneration Field
Unlock at SR-16
Cost: 3 SP
Releases a short-range energy field that heals any nearby Spartans.
TACTICAL PACKAGE (unlocked at SR-7)
Shielding
Unlock at SR-7
Cost: 1 SP
This shielding speeds up your armor’s energy recharge rate.
Mobility
Unlock at SR-7
Cost: 1 SP
Mobility gives you unlimited sprint.
Resupply
Unlock at SR-14
Cost: 1 SP
Resupply allows the recovery of grenades from fallen allies and foes.
AA Efficiency
Unlock at SR-14
Cost: 1 SP
AA Efficiency increases the rate at which energy recharges for Armor Abilities.
Grenadier
Unlock at SR-24
Cost: 1 SP
Grenadier increases grenade carrying capacity.
Firepower
Unlock at SR-24
Cost: 1 SP
Firepower allows the use of a primary weapon in the secondary weapon slot.
SUPPORT UPGRADE (unlocked at SR-12)
Ammo
Unlock at SR-12
Cost: 1 SP
Ammo increases the ammunition capacity for both starting weapons and ordnance drops.
Dexterity
Unlock at SR-12
Cost: 1 SP
Dexterity speeds up reloads and weapon swapping.
Sensor
Unlock at SR-20
Cost: 1 SP
Sensor increases motion sensor range.
Awareness
Unlock at SR-20
Cost: 1 SP
Awareness allows the use of motion sensors while using a scope.
Explosives
Unlock at SR-26
Cost: 1 SP
Explosives alters grenade performance, increasing blast radius and decreasing damage received.
Ordinance Priority
Unlock at SR-26
Cost: 1 SP
In modes with personal ordnance, Ordnance Priority offers more frequent ordnance drops to user.
FAQ: Where’s the shotgun and sniper rifle?
If you’re looking for some of the more iconic and powerful weapons, you’ll have to earn those by calling in Ordnance (Killstreaks) or by finding them laying around multiplayer maps.
FAQ: Does Halo 4 have a Prestige Mode?
Kind of. At SR 50, you’ll unlock a new Specialization.
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FAQ: What is a Specialization?
Specializations unlock one at a time starting at SR 50 and provide access to 10 more ranks (levels), an armor mod, an armor set and skin, weapon skin, special emblems, and a new visor color.
Conclusion
We hope this reference guide helps some of you plan out your online mayhem. If you wish to share any custom loadouts or strategies, or if you spot any misinformation, please let us know in the comments!