ENEMIES/BOSSES

HALO 2 GLITCH

ENEMIES/BOSSES

This is a basic guide on how to kill the numerous and diverse enemies that oppose you throughout game. Since this is a work-in-progress I
will try to update with more strategies as I discover them. Please remember that, unless specified, most of these strategies involve the NORMAL
difficulty setting.

No doubt your most numerous and deadly foe. The Covenant is a group of differant alien races bent upon the annihilation of the Human race. To this end they have put into use a diverse collection of soldiers ranging from the cowardly Grunts to the powerful Elites. Know their weaknesses and defeat them!

Enemies:

Infantry

Grunt:
Classes
Orange (rookie)
Red (veteran)
Black (spec. ops.)
White (command)
Green (gunner)

Weapons-

Plasma pistol, needler, fuel rod gun, plasma turret, plasma grenades.

Description-

The first line of attack in any given Covenant offensive. The Grunts are
perhaps the single most prolific of all Covenant aliens. Small and sniveling,
Grunts also tend to be the most cowardly, never far off from their larger
Covenant Membeer. It is very rare to find Grunts alone, and at the very
least they tend to congregate in large numbers. Although frail and
vulnerable to every weapon, it is their sheer number that can become
Difficult

Strategy-

-There should be no problem when dealing with Grunts, even in Legendary
difficulty. Simply pick them off with any weapon on hand.

-Just be aware of the few brave Grunts who will attempt to throw plasma
grenades. Luckily they give plenty of warning before they do this. Grunts
themselves are very vulnerable to grenades because of their slow nature.

-Killing a larger Covenant, especially an Elite, tends to scare all nearby
Grunts.

-Grunts are the most common race manning the Covenant Stationary Turrets.
Use a rocket launcher or a sniper rifle and aim for the Grunt's unprotected
body.

-In some situations, Grunts may be sleeping on the job. Try to take out the
nearby patrols and the Grunts with quiet melee attacks.

-Grunts carrying fuel rod guns should be a priority. Take them out first!

-In certain missions, look out for green Grunts and take them out first. They
are rushing to position Plasma Turrets, and in higher difficulties, they
can make quick work out of you.

Jackal
Classes
Blue Shield (rookie)
Orange Shield (veteran)
Sniper

Weapons-

Plasma pistol, particle beam rifle.

Description-

Fast-moving support infantry for the Covenant military. The Jackal's
distinguishing feature is their large wrist-held energy shield, which gives
this otherwise frail enemy a keen advantage in combat. Once in position, a
single Jackal could effectively hold an enemy squad at bay so never
underestimate them. New to Halo 2, certain Jackals have traded their energy
shields for alien sniper rifles. Firing from concealed locations, these new
foes are absolutely deadly in Heroic and Legendary difficulties!

Strategies-

-The Jackal's shield gives it a high degree of protection from many
conventional human weapons and some lower class energy weapons. When using
ballistic weapons, always try to aim for the Jackal's body. Especially good
spots include the feet and the shield's "hand grooves" on the side.

-The Jackal's energy shield is useless against melee attacks.

-Certain high-velocity weapons, such as the sniper rifles (human and alien)
and the shotgun can unbalance the Jackal, exposing him to further fire.

-Jackal's have low mobility when facing opponents, use explosives against them!

-Jackal snipers can be notorious enemies in higher difficulties. It is best
to memorize their locations and counter-snipe them. In certain areas,
vehicles are a necessity to run the gauntlet of snipers.

-Jackal snipers always throw away their sniper rifles and pull out a plasma
pistol when you get too close. Use this to your advantage!

Drone:

Classes-
None

Weapons-

Plasma pistol, needler.

Description-

Quick and fleeting, the Drones make their debut as new Covenant aliens in
Halo 2. They are one of two Covenant infantry units able to fly, and are able
to cling to walls and other hard-reach places from where they lay suppressing
fire on you.

Strategies-

-It's hard to miss Drone encounters; the air starts to buzz when about half
dozen of these human-sized insects fill the sky. Always expect to encounter
Drones in large numbers.

-Although fast, Drones have little to speak for in armor, so they fall quickly
to abuse. Human ballistics weapons, with their faster fire rate, is ideal
for dealing with these creatures.

-In later missions, Drones may appear in waves, so do not relax after the first
battle!

-Drones are known to attach to your vehicle and melee attack you in higher
difficulties.

Elite:
Classes-
Blue (rookie)
Red/Orange (veteran)
Gold (command)
Black (spec. ops.)
White "Ultra" (spec. ops. command)
Blue Jetpacker (aerial assault)
Honor Guard (Prophet guardians)
White/Silver, Gold "Praetor" (ceremonial)

Weapons-
Plasma pistol (can dual wield), plasma rifle (can dual wield), needler (can
dual wield), fuel rod gun, Covenant carbine, plasma sword, plasma grenades.

Description-
Without a doubt, the Elites are the iron heart of the Covenant war machine.
Each individual Elite is at least an equivalent of the Spartan super soldier,
and often can be seen leading the armies into battle. They are also one of the
few Covenant to man vehicles. Equipped with personal shielding and wielding
powerful weaponry, expect every battle with an Elite to be a challenge, a
life-or-death struggle in the higher-difficulties!

Strategies-
-In higher difficulties, AVOID combating Elites at plasma rifle or pistol
range! They are far better shots than you, and your shield will suffer!
Either close the distance with powerful weapons (such as the shotgun), or
snipe them from beyond their range.

-Elites have a tendency to climb over crates or obstacles to give them a better
view of the battle. Use this to your advantage since they cannot shoot when
they are doing this!

-Beware of White Elites. In legendary difficulty they can be seen using
optic camouflage and can pull out plasma swords once they close distance!

-Attempt to use weapons that can negate their energy shields. Plasma pistol's
overcharge, and the seven shots from a needler are effective. A sticky plasma
grenade can be a godsend against these foes.

-Certain classes of Elites, especially the jetpack Elites, can dual-wield
weapons! Use cover wisely when battling them.

-Elites can and will try to hijack your vehicle, eliminate them before they
can close in.

Hunters:
Classes-
None

Weapons-
Modified fuel rod gun
Protective shield

Description-
The Hunters are the largest Covenant alien encountered. Always found in
"bonded pairs," the Hunters act as living tanks and the primary heavy infantry.

Bristling with protective armor, the Hunter's offense is bolstered by their
hand-mounted FRG cannon and their thundering speed.

Strategies-
-The Hunters have changed from their Halo: CE counterparts. Now only the
sniper rifles and the rocket launcher can bring down the Hunter in a single
hit, and only if hit in their orange fleshy weak spots.

-Hunters are more aggressive this time around. They will not go into melee
attacks unless they are fairly sure that you will not be able to avoid it. I
have personally gone inches in front of a Hunter before it went into melees,
this made their attacks harder to dodge.

-Hunters now have a long arcing overhead strike that comes down fairly
quickly, and can also do a backward strike on enemies that are directly
behind them. Be careful of this new move.

-The Hunters carry modified FRGs that send out a concentrated beam of energy.

They have a distinctive sound that can be easily recognized and avoided.

-Contrary to popular beliefs, the plasma sword is NOT one hit kill on a Hunter.
I have tried many times, and even with the "red lock-on" it does not bring
them down.

When one of the Hunters in a pair dies, the other will use it's fuel rod gun
far less often, and will instead focus on using melee attacks.
If you manage to stick a Hunter with a plasma grenade, or hit them with a
particularly powerful shot that doesn't kill them (like the sniper rifle or
rocket launcher, sometimes even the Brute Shot works), they may stand still
with their shields down and their necks exposed from the front. On higher
difficulty levels, it's more difficult to get this to happen, and it doesn't
last as long.

Brutes:
Yellow (rookie)
Brown (veteran)
Honor Guard

Weapons-
Brute plasma rifle (red), Covenant carbine, Brute shot, shotgun.

Descriptions-
Large ape-like enemies that the player encounters in the late half of the game,
the Brutes are the second new Covenant alien species in Halo 2. Their large
size masks their surprisingly fast melee attacks. Their large amount of hit
points and deadly weaponry will make them powerful opponents. Brutes are also the only high-end Covenant infantry to move in large groups.

Strategies-
-Brutes have no energy shielding, but they have the most hit point of almost
any infantry unit (maybe besides the Hunter) to make up for it.

-Armor protects parts of the Brute's body, especially the head. However,
concentrated attacks will knock off this armor. Head shots are perhaps the
most important with Brutes than with any other enemy.

-Sometimes when enraged, the Brute abandons his weapon and starts charging
around the map like a football player. They are very noticeable when they
do this, and are often some distances away. However, once you see this, make
them priority targets because they can close the gap VERY quickly and
unleash fast, punishing melee attacks on you. Use high-velocity or explosive
weapons to bring them down faster.

-It seems that Brutes of all classes fight in similar fashions, preferring to
keep distances. However, don't make this fool you into thinking they are weak
close range fighters!

-Brutes are also capable of hijacking player-driven vehicles.

With the Brute's high hit points, the needlers make ideal weapons against
them.

It's actually really easy to tell when a Brute will berserk. All Brutes show
up as part of a group, usually of about 2 to 4 of them together. The last
Brute alive will berserk immediately. So, the best strategy would be to kill
at least the last two at the same time. If that's not possible, take out all
of their head armor, and go for the headshot on the last one.

Plasma swords and the optic camouflage are useful against isolated Brutes.
Cloaked melee attacks to the back also work well when taking care of the
stragglers.

Early on in the game, you learn that not all members of your alien enemies
follow the Covenant. It appears that there is at least one splinter faction
that is directly aligned against them. Leading this rebellion is an Elite,
who speaks of the false promises given by the Prophets. Obviously the
Covenant will not stand idly by and let this heresy continue, they shall
suffer no heretic to live!

Heretic Grunt:
Classes-
None

Weapons-
Needler, fuel rod gun, plasma grenades.

Description-
It is not known what drove these otherwise cowardly creatures to move against the Covenant. But because they have abandoned the technological gifts given to us by the Covenant, you can see these heretics as the vile beasts they are! Strapped to primitive methane breathing mechanisms, these creatures will not stay your wrath!

Strategies-
-Like Covenant Grunts, the Heretic variety should not give you too much
trouble. However, they are more proficient with the needler, so avoid
fighting more than a few at a time. Use stealth to avoid unnecessary
combat.

-Some Heretic Grunts employ fuel rod guns in battle. These are especially
deadly and should be dealt with quickly.

Heretic Elite-
Classes-
None

Weapons-
Covenant carbine, Sentinel laser (Silver), plasma sword, plasma grenades.

Description-
Profane traitors to the Covenant cause, these former Elites now lead a
fight against the Prophets! This cannot be allowed to continue. Know that
while they have foregone the Elite combat suits, they still possess the
energy shields.

Strategies-
-Not quite as aggressive as the Covenant variety, these warriors prefer to
stay back and open fire with their accurate Covenant carbines. Three
headshots will slay you, so beware when playing in higher difficulties.

-Some Heretic Elites will use plasma swords against you. Counter with plasma
grenades or powerful close-range weapons.

The cancer of the galaxy, the Flood sweep across the universe, consuming all
sentient life in their path. Even the mighty and ancient Forerunners were
forced to construct the giant Halos, or "Fortress Worlds" in a desperate
attempt to stem the tide. It is not known at this time where the Flood
originated from, or whether they operate under any organized hierarchy...

Flood Infection Form ("Spores")

Description-
Smallest and most prolific of all Flood variants. The infection forms vaguely
resemble jellyfish. Their only purpose in life is to find sentient organic
life forms and "infect" them. It uses its numerous tentacles to pierce the
unfortunate victim's nervous systems, sending the host into a deep coma and
leaving the infection form free to slowly and insidiously take over their
bodies.

Strategies-
-Although their numbers have significantly decreased from Halo:CE, these
relentless foes have made up for it in cunning and deadliness. Each
individual infection form will do more damage to your shield, and if you have
no shield, death is quick and absolute.

-Flood spores are more intelligent now. When alone, they are actually known
to scale ceilings and wait for opportune moments to strike. I have
personally experienced a game where I lost track of an infection form. While
searching for it, I was attacked by a combat form. As soon as I lost my
shield, the infection form dropped from the ceiling and killed me!

-Infection forms can actually recognize plasma swords and act accordingly.
They may randomize their movement to confuse players. Sometimes, they may
even retreat, enticing players to give chase, to which they respond with a
sudden jump attack.

-Infection forms can now sacrifice themselves to revive dead combat forms. If
you see a dead combat form "convulsing," it means that they are seconds away
from returning to the fight! Take these down quickly.

Flood Combat Form ("Warrior")
Classes-
Human
Elite

Weapons-
All Human and Covenant weapons except the fuel rod gun and Brute shot.
Can also use Sentinel lasers.

Description-
The result of a Flood infection. These twisted beings once used to be Elites
and Humans. Now completely overwhelmed by the Flood, they no longer have a will of their own, and mindlessly fight to serve the cause!

Strategies-
-As before, Flood combat forms are pain resistant. This makes them resistant
to low class Covenant energy weapons such as the plasma pistol, plasma rifle,
and the stationary turret. Also, melee attacks prove to be less than
effective.

-Because of their tendency to rush the player, use powerful close-range
weapons. The shotgun is still the best anti-Flood weapon, with the new
Sentinel laser and the plasma sword joining the category.

-Sometimes when alone against the player, a combat form may opt to hide and
wait for a better chance to strike. Keep an eye out for such tricky
maneuvers.

-Remember in Halo:CE, where taking out the tentacled arm of the combat form
took away their melee ability? It no longer holds here. Combat forms can
melee attack with both arms.

-The Flood have now adapted to Covenant and human technologies far better than
before. Watch out for Elite combat forms equipped with shields and plasma
swords, and the combat forms driving vehicles!

Flood Carrier Form
Classes-
None

Weapons-
Self-detonation.

Description-
Those combat forms too damaged to serve the Flood are converted into the
bloated carrier forms. Easily recognizable because of their immense size,
they serve as incubators for new Flood infection forms. They aid in the spread
of these spores by detonating themselves near potential hosts.

Strategies-
-Although no longer as numerous as in Halo:CE, the carrier forms should not be underestimated. Their detonation roughly equals the force of a grenade, and the Flood spores they unleash are deadlier than before.

-As before, a valid strategy is to attack and detonate a carrier form while
it's still surrounded by other Flood. The explosion will quickly thin out
their ranks.

-Vehicles-
Description-
The Flood are now capable of using the vehicles of their fallen enemies against
them. This clearly demonstrates the intelligence and deadliness of these
creatures.

Strategies-
-Flood can now drive the Ghost, Wraith, Warthog, Scorpion, and even the
Pelican! Luckily they are not quite as maneuverable as the player.

-Be especially wary of Flood-driven tanks. Although the Wraiths are often
preoccupied and allows easy hi-jacking, the Scorpion tank can prove durable
and deadly. Use its inaccuracy against it and either attack from long range
or avoid it entirely.

Mechanized servants of the ancient Forerunners who built the Halos. These
robotic beings have unceasingly served their masters for untold years. Now,
despite the absence of their creators, these automatons blindly carry out their
primary purpose, to maintain and protect Halo from all foreign life forms.

Sentinel-
Classes-
Silver
Silver (shielded)
Gold (shielded)

Weapons-
High-intensity laser, needler (rare).

Description-
The most common robots seen around Halo, the Sentinels serve various functions
ranging from transportation to combat. Relatively fragile, Sentinels employ
laser weaponry and the more advanced Sentinel classes are equipped with
low-power energy shields.

Strategies-
-Sentinels are armed with lasers. This means that the more you are exposed
to its beam, the greater damage it does to you. Be on the move and bring
down these machines quickly.

-Sentinels are more vulnerable to Covenant weapons, use it effectively.

-The Silver and Gold Sentinel variety have respective laser beam strengths.
Gold Sentinels are by far more powerful and their lasers serve as effective
weapons against the Flood.

-Explosions that occur near them can send Sentinels hurtling against walls and
crashing onto the floor. Though dormant when this happens, know that they
will reactivate if left undisturbed.

When killed by a needler, the Sentinels detonate with far greater force than
usual. This explosion, although dangerous to the player's shield, can be
useful when taking out groups of enemies.

Enforcer
Classes-
None

Weapons-
Rapid-fire energy projectiles, multi-missile, lifting claws, dual shields.

Description-
Never encountered in Halo:CE, the Enforcers are enormous floating automatons
that dwarf any other Forerunner robot. Judging from their weapons and
abilities, Enforcers seem to be the main Forerunner anti-vehicle weapon.

Strategies-
-The Enforcer is probably the most unique Halo 2 enemy in terms of all the
exotic weapons it deploys against its enemies. It can fire a series of energy
projectiles (resembles needler rounds but is red and does not track) and
multiple missiles against troop clusters and vehicles.

-Beware going underneath the Enforcer when in a vehicle. It can use its
lifting claws to eject you from your ride, even killing you in the process.

-The dual shield array protects the Enforcer from direct fire. This energy
projection is resistant to all but the most damaging weapons. Either use
heavy explosives against them, or bypass the shield and hit the machine from

Worker

Description-
The tiniest robots in the Halo installations, the Workers simply serve as
repair units.

Strategies-
-Workers are absolutely no threat to the player. They can be targeted and
destroyed if the player bores of watching them flying about in their tasks.

Sentinel Constructor

Description-
Appearing to be vents attached to the walls, these deceptive machines are
responsible for the manufacturing of Sentinels! Quickly shoot into their
brightly-lit openings and destroy them.

Strategies-
-These constructors are often placed near the ceilings, but always on walls.
Listen for the distinctive "charging" noise that it makes before creating a
Sentinel to locate them.

-Sometimes these vents are sealed when you enter a room, but can open once the
player has wandered far enough into the chamber. Listen for these
reactivating vents.

The constructors can be destroyed with a melee attack even when they are
inactive. The explosion will take out your shield however, so beware.

Bosses:

As if the life of a super soldier wasn't hard enough, these unique
individuals serve to complicate your Halo 2 experience.

Scarab

Weapons-
Single focused plasma cannon, dual "needler" anti-aircraft turrets (fore and
rear mounted), varied numbers of infantry.

Description- The single largest ground vehicle employed by the Covenant. The
Scarab is a rarity on the battlefield, and seems to be used only in the most
demanding circumstances. Fitting, since no other ground weaponry is effective
in disabling them, perhaps except a Spartan...

Tactics-
-No amount of weapon fire is going to bring down the Scarab, so don't bother
aiming at its leg joints, etc.

-Instead, you will come to a part in the stage where the Scarab passes under
a series of catwalks. Use the nearby rocket launcher and sniper rifle to
eliminate the Covenant infantry that are firing at you from the back of the
Scarab. Once the way is clear, jump onto the vehicle from above (you have
about four chances). Try to land near the back, since this will cover you
from additional Covenant forces. Once onboard carefully descend into the
control room and take out all Covenant forces. Mission accomplished.

Heretic Leader

Weapons-
Dual-wielded plasma rifles, two holographic projector orbs, jetpack.

Description-
The leader of the Heretics shows his proficiency in battle by fighting the
player one on one... at least you wish it was that way. Instead, the Heretic
Leader employs two orbs that emit identical holographic projections of himself.
Despite this, the illusions are quite real in terms of damage, so they cannot
be ignored.

Tactics-
-In lower difficulties, it is simple to defeat the Heretic leader, merely
lock in and use the lunge attack of the plasma sword to kill him.

-But in higher difficulties, the concentrated firepower of the Leader and his
holograms make it a difficult fight. Use the cloak ability strategically to
dash from cover to cover. Do not let him see you when you are without cloak!
The best way to defeat him is to either use the Covenant carbine located near
the elevator to take out the holograms (the holograms are weaker and distort
when enough damage is taken. One more shot disables it completely), or cloak
and tag them with the plasma grenade. Although the Leader can take cover in
the ceiling vents and return with more holograms, you will eventually defeat
him.

Prophet of Regret

Weapons-
Two focused plasma beam turrets, high-output energy shield.

Description-
Finally Master Chief faces one of the leaders of the Covenant in combat. Do
not be put off guard by the relative frailty of the Prophet's appearance. His
hover chair has enough firepower to melt any enemy in his path so take cover
when you hear the weapon powering up. In addition, the Prophet is equipped
with a powerful energy shield, making him nigh-invulnerable. The Prophet is
escorted by a contingent of Covenant infantry including the Honor Guards.

Tactics-
-Attempt to take out the numerous Covenant forces protecting the Prophet before
you attack him. Beware of Honor Guards armed with energy swords.

-When the forces have thinned out somewhat (they will respawn), close up on
the Prophet and board his hover chair. Now strike him directly with the melee
attacks and the Prophet will not last long against the Master Chief's
fist.

Tartarus

Weapon-
Large chieftain war hammer.

Description-
The Brute chieftain Tartarus faces you in the climax of the game, and he proves to be no easy foe. Despite the simple melee nature of his attacks, Tartarus seems to be equipped with powers that give him a high defense and offense.

Tactics-
-In the beginning of the fight, large numbers of Praetor Elites equipped with
plasma swords will rush Tartarus. Don't be taken along with the crowd and
rush in yourself. Stay back as his melee attacks are devastating, and your
shields cannot protect you.

-Periodically, Tartarus will be enveloped in a strange "fog," this makes him
immune to attacks.