The plasma weapons that can be dual-wielded are the Plasma Rifle, Brute Plasma Rifle, and Plasma Pistol. Halo 3's weapons are divided into two categories: plasma and ballistic. Combine Weapon Types For Halo 3's Most Effective Dual-Wielding But smart use of dual-wielding can turn these leftovers into something praiseworthy.
Nowadays, these small arms scatter the ground of Halo 3 multiplayer maps as the leftovers players walk past on their way to better weapons. Related: Every Halo Game, Ranked Worst To Best Smaller weapons like the Plasma Pistol and SMG were comparatively very weak, so they needed all the extra damage output they could get. It was also a necessary move for balance, as Halo 2 also introduced several new power weapons: the Sentinel Beam, Energy Sword, Beam Rifle, and Brute Shot. When introduced in Halo 2, dual-wielding served as a way to freshen up the familiar weapons of Halo: Combat Evolved. It’s rare to find an MCC player who dares dual-wield in the face of the all-powerful Battle Rifle. Halo 3 now marks an odd crossroads, where dual-wielding remains implemented but is clearly a gameplay element the developers wanted to steer away from.
Dual-wielding was removed from the Halo games that came after it, likely because the system discouraged melee attacks and throwing grenades. When Halo 3 came to The Master Chief Collection, it was the first time dual-wielding made a return to mainstream Halo multiplayer.