Moonraker Laser

Lore & Background

In *GoldenEye 007*, the Moonraker Laser pays homage to the climax of the 1979 Bond film *Moonraker*, where villain Hugo Drax uses a satellite-mounted laser to incinerate a space shuttle. The game shrinks this orbital superweapon into a handheld device for multiplayer combat, retaining its signature emerald beam and instant-kill capability. It’s one of several special weapons unlocked through the game’s medal system, rewarding players who conquer brutal single-player challenges—like earning a Gold medal on the notoriously tricky 'Facility' level. The weapon’s in-game design simplifies the film’s orbital laser into a compact, sci-fi pistol that fires a continuous green beam with no travel time. Its extreme power is balanced by scarce ammunition (five shots per pickup) and a slow rate of fire, forcing players to pick their moments. In the game’s loose lore, the Moonraker Laser is treated as a top-secret prototype—perhaps salvaged from Drax’s space station or reverse-engineered by MI6. Its appearance in multiplayer suggests it’s a last-resort weapon, capable of flipping a match but demanding precise aim and nerve. Among fans, it’s legendary: often cited in debates about the game’s most broken items, its iconic status cemented by the thrill of that one green flash.

In Their Own Story

The Facility's lower level hummed with distant gunfire. Its barrel glowed a sickly green, promising instant oblivion. Across the corridor, 007 crept forward, oblivious. A searing emerald beam lanced out, striking 007 square in the chest. The body crumpled without a sound, a silent marionette with cut strings.

Reader's Guide

The Moonraker Laser is a special weapon in *GoldenEye 007* multiplayer, unlocked by earning a Gold medal on the 'Facility' level in single-player—a notoriously difficult feat requiring a sub-2:05 completion time. It appears as a pickup on select multiplayer maps, typically hidden in remote or elevated spots (e.g., the vents in 'Facility' or the upper balcony in 'Temple'). The weapon fires a single, continuous green beam that kills any enemy instantly on contact, penetrating thin walls and ignoring all armor. Its ammunition is limited to five shots per pickup, with a slow cooldown between shots—roughly one second—so missing a shot is costly. **Tips for using the Moonraker Laser:** - Aim for center mass; the beam has no spread, so precision is key. - Use it to clear chokepoints or camped snipers, but don't waste shots on distant targets you might miss. - The beam can pass through wooden crates, thin metal, and glass—use this to kill enemies hiding behind cover. - Conserve ammo: with only five shots, each kill should be deliberate. Don't fire unless you're sure of the hit. - Pick it up early in a match to deny it to opponents, but be ready for everyone to target you. **Counterplay:** If you hear the distinctive charging hum, take cover immediately—the beam can't curve around corners. Listen for the cooldown sound to know when it's safe to peek.

Did You Know?

• The Moonraker Laser is adapted from the orbital laser used by Hugo Drax in the 1979 film *Moonraker*.
• In *GoldenEye 007*, the weapon is unlocked by earning a Gold medal on the 'Facility' level in single-player.
• The laser fires a continuous green beam with no projectile delay, making it an instant-kill weapon.
• Each pickup provides only five shots, forcing players to use them carefully.
• The beam can penetrate thin walls, allowing players to kill enemies hiding behind cover.