One of the biggest learning curves in Halo Infinite is figuring out where all of the weapons and items spawn on each map. Live Fire was, of course, the first map gamers experienced before the game's multiplayer was released on November 15, 2021.

RELATED: Halo Infinite Multiplayer: Beginner Tips For Arena's Elimination Mode

Unlike Halo games of the past, Infinite has several different weapon rotations on each map. This means that one of two or more weapons will be present in each spawn location. Power weapons and items will be important during the course of a match, but there are a few other guns that can dominate if used correctly.

Power Weapons: Sniper Or Skewer

halo-infinite-spartan-sniper

At the center of the map, either the Sniper or Skewer will spawn at the start of the match. Both weapons are incredible in the game, but on such a small map, hitting hip fire shots will be essential.

The Skewer, in particular, has a relatively large hit radius, so firing from the hip makes sense in most situations. Hitting a no scope shot with the Sniper takes more skill, but a quick shot to the body of an opponent will remove their shields and create an easy kill. Some teams push this weapon off of the spawn, but others prefer the two weapons that spawn right below.

Oddball Spawn: Heatwave Or Shotgun

halo infinite bulldog shotgun

Just below the power weapon spawn, players can pick up the Shotgun or Heatwave off of the wall. The Shotgun has gotten a lot of bad press since the game was released, but skilled players can rack up a ton of kills with the weapon. Within around 15 meters it will outduel the AR, BR, Pistol, and Commando. It is a one-shot beatdown kill up close and has a lot more range than people think. While it may not kill enemies in one shot, it is one of the best competitive base weapons in the game.

RELATED: Halo Infinite Multiplayer: Beginner Tips For Arena's Strongholds Mode

Likewise, the Heatwave is an incredible gun if used correctly. When firing in the vertical mode, it will eliminate enemies in just two shots. Players that miss a couple of bullets will get the kill after three shots. Like the Shotgun, the Heatwave is a one-shot beatdown too. The latter can be annoying to use at times, but with good aim, it competes with almost any gun up close.

Commando/BR Spawns

Halo Infinite Battle Rifle

The Commando and Battle Rifle always spawn on the map. They will be in one of two locations:

  1. The garage or entrance to the Avery J. Johnson Academy, next to building 5.
  2. Up the stairs by the bridge to the sniper tower.

If the BR spawns in the garage, the Commando will spawn next to the bridge, and vice versa. Both of these weapons are strategic pickups in Quickplay. Obviously, they are not as useful in ranked play because everyone already has a BR. However, the Commando can out TTK a BR. Fire it as a semi-automatic to reduce kick.

Pistol Spawns

halo infinite double xp boost

The first pistol spawn is on the back side of the sniper tower on the ground floor. One of the following pistol variants will spawn:

  • Mangler
  • Plasma Pistol
  • Disruptor

In ranked, the base Pistol is in the rotation because Spartans spawn without a sidearm. The second pistol spawn is on the wall as players move from the Academy to the power weapon spawn.

Out of these three weapons, the Mangler is the best choice. It is a three-shot kill to the body and a one-shot to melee kill. It is a difficult gun to aim because of the bullet velocity, but it should be used at close range like a shotgun anyway.

RELATED: Best Halo Infinite Controller Settings

The Plasma Pistol still removes shields with a charged shot, but it does not lock on to enemies very well. If an opponent has the Overshield, grab the Disruptor, it will disable the overshield after a couple of shots. The Disruptor does damage over time, often killing opponents a couple of seconds after they were shot.

Other Weapon Spawns

halo infinite needler

In the overshield side of the academy, a Pulse Rifle will always spawn next to the small second floor window. The only other weapon spawn is the Sentinel Beam, which is always on the side of the Overshield/Active Camouflage platform. Occasionally, the Needler will spawn in place of the Pulse Rifle or Sentinel Beam, but only a fraction of the time.

Both the Pulse Rifle and Sentinel Beam melt shields quickly. Although, they do take a few extra hits to secure the kill. Players that prevent the Sentinel Beam from overheating can net quite a few kills with it. In general, these weapons should be used to neutralize OS.

RELATED: All Xbox Game Pass Games With FPS Boost

Apart from weapons, there are a few other items of interest on the map. Tactical items spawn by the range dummies and by Building 5. These include the Threat Sensor, Repulsor, Grappling Hook, and Drop Shield. Grenades Spawn in the following locations:

  • Plasma Grenades: Under the gray awning on the power equipment side of the map
  • Frag Grenades: By the Academy pistol spawn and below the sniper tower
  • Spike Grenades: Behind Building 5

Halo Infinite releases on December 8 for Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, and PC. Halo Infinite's multiplayer beta is currently available on these platforms and is free-to-play.

MORE: Halo Infinite: Best Weapons To Use In Multiplayer