Gameplay

Armor effects

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Armor effects are a special customizable option in Halo: Reach, the Halo: The Master Chief Collection edition of Halo 4, and Halo Infinite. Armor effects are visible in all gametypes, though they are not displayed in cutscenes.

On November 16, 2020, when Series 4: Reclaimer was released for Halo: The Master Chief Collection, it made the effects available for use on Sangheili player models in Reach. On June 23, 2021, with the release of Series 7: Elite, these effects were added into Halo 4 as a new customization option.

Halo Infinite would feature player effects in a major capacity, following their absence in Halo 5: Guardians.

Halo: Reach and Halo 4[edit]

Armor effects functioned as passive character model effects, visible to other players in-game. They served no purpose past being aesthetic changes. Certain effects such as Heart Attack, and Pestilence featured specific death effects, which activated as the player died, such as a flurry of hearts floating above the player's place of death. Others, such as Legendary and Eternal were only active as the player remained alive, with no specific death effect associated to them.

Originally, Halo: Reach was the first and only Halo title to feature armor effects in any capacity, with the original releases of Halo 4 and Halo 5: Guardians forgoing the option. However, in 2021, Halo 4 would be updated to feature Reach's suite of armor effects within The Master Chief Collection. They functioned identically to their Reach counterparts.

Armor effects
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Kill Effect Description Unlock (Halo: Reach) Unlock (Halo: Reach MCC) Unlock (Halo 4 MCC)
HR Legendary Armor Effect.pngHR Legendary Effect Icon.pngH4 Legendary Effect Icon.png
Legendary
Flames ensconce the skulls of the loyal. 0 cR - Included with the Legendary Edition of Halo: Reach. Series 1 Tier 83, Spartan Point 1 Series 7 Tier 84, Spartan Point 1
HR Eternal Armor Effect.pngHR Eternal Effect Icon.pngH4 Eternal Effect Icon.png
Eternal
Burn bright; burn blue. 0 cR- Formerly only available to Bungie employees, required e-mail verification through Bungie.net. Available until 7/7/11. Series 1 Tier 100, Spartan Point 1 Series 7 Tier 100, Spartan Point 1
HR BirthdayParty Effect Icon.png
Birthday Party
Your death is softened by a joyful noise. And confetti. 200,000 cR Series 1 Tier 25, Spartan Point 1 Series 7 Tier 71, Spartan Point 1
HR HeartAttack Effect Icon.png
Heart Attack
Upon expiry, flying hearts mark your demise. 300,000 cR Series 1 Tier 65, Spartan Point 1 Series 7 Tier 62, Spartan Point 1
HR Pestilence Armor Effect.pngHR Pestilence Effect Icon.pngH4 Pestilence Effect Icon.png
Pestilence
Foul brown clouds stink and swirl around steel. 1,000,000 cR Series 1 Tier 52, Spartan Point 1 Series 7 Tier 25, Spartan Point 1
HR Inclement Weather Armor Effect.pngHR InclementWeather Effect Icon.pngH4 InclementWeather Effect Icon.png
Inclement Weather
High voltage, indeed. 2,000,000 cR Series 1 Tier 79, Spartan Point 1 Series 7 Tier 43, Spartan Point 1

Halo Infinite[edit]

Following their absence in Halo 5, and their reintegration into Halo 4, Halo Infinite would feature armor effects in a notably more major capacity. Unlike Reach and Halo 4, which featured armor effects that could be passive, activated on death, or both, Infinite would divide effects into three defined categories: Armor Effects, Mythic Effect Sets, and Kill Effects.

Armor effects act much like they did in prior titles, being passive, aesthetic changes to the player's character model. Unlike Reach and 4, these effects didn't feature any death effects, with their presence being solely limited to when the player is alive.

Mythic effect sets are passive effects that affect the player's character model's actions, such as footsteps, and slides. They can also be activated through the use of certain equipment, which varies by the effect. These can be used in tandem with different armor effects, and aren't defined by them, unlike prior titles.

Kill effects take the place of death effects in prior titles, and are a part of weapon customization. Following the theme of armor and mythic effect sets, kill effects are activated when the player kills another, and unlike prior titles, are defined by the killer's choice of effect.

Armor Effects
Armor Effects
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Armor Effects Manufacturer Lore Rarity Introduced In Unlock Requirements
Season Pass Icon
Judgment Helm
FOTUS Tempered by flame. Legendary Season 01: Heroes of Reach Season 01: Heroes of Reach Battle Pass level 97 (Premium)
Season Pass Icon
Judgment Mantle
FOTUS Burning with conviction. Legendary Season 01: Heroes of Reach Season 01: Heroes of Reach Battle Pass level 85 (Premium)
Halo Infinite - Menu Icon - Armor Effect - Neon Hawk
Neon Hawk
FOTUS Water runs deep and never fade away. Pals Epic Season 01: Heroes of Reach Cyber Showdown Event Pass level 10
Halo Infinite - Menu Icon - Armor Effect - Neon Screen
Neon Screen
FOTUS The world is synthetic. The emotions are real. Epic Season 01: Heroes of Reach Cyber Showdown Event Pass level 5
Season Pass Icon
Noble Fire
FOTUS It's been an honor serving with you. Legendary Season 01: Heroes of Reach Exclusive to employees of 343 Industries
Icon of the Perfect Circle Armor effect.
Perfect Circle
FOTUS Don't let the power go to your head. Epic Season 01: Heroes of Reach Purchase from the Shop for 300 cR
Icon for the Perfect Sublimity Armor effect.
Perfect Sublimity
FOTUS High scores are at an all-time low. Epic Season 01: Heroes of Reach Purchase from the Shop for 500 cR
In sickness, a new kind of health.
Rotten Vitality
The Flood In sickness, a new kind of health. Legendary Season 05: Reckoning Season 05: Reckoning Battle Pass level 49 (Premium)
Icon of the Halo WC 2022 Victory Laurels Armor Effect
Halo WC 2022 Victory Laurels
343 Industries To the victor go the spoils! Congratulations to all competitors and fans of Halo World Championship 2022! Legendary Season 02: Lone Wolves Purchase the "Halo WC 2022 Victory" bundle from the Shop for 800 cR
Icon of the Inevitability of War Armor Effect
Inevitability of War
Fractures: Entrenched The landslide has already started. Epic Season 02: Lone Wolves Purchase from the Shop for 500 cR
HINF March of War Armor FX Icon.png
March of War
Fracture: Entrenched Die on your feet. Epic Season 02: Lone Wolves Purchase from the Shop for 500 cR
Icon of the Marlin T. Buckets Armor Effect
Marlin T. Buckets
FOTUS Hippity hoppity, your Scorpion tank is now my property. Legendary Season 02: Lone Wolves Purchase from the Shop for 800 cR
Icon of Opulent Bouquet Armor Effect
Opulent Bouquet
FOTUS Flowers really can bloom on the battlefield! Epic Season 02: Lone Wolves Purchase from the Shop for 1,100 cR
Menu Icon for Packmaster's Glare Armor FX
Packmaster's Glare
FOTUS Looks will kill. Epic Season 02: Lone Wolves Season 02: Lone Wolves Battle Pass level 70 (Premium)
Icon of the Trapmaster's Map Armor Effect
Trapmaster's Map
FOTUS You can run, but not hide. Epic Season 02: Lone Wolves Season 02: Lone Wolves Alpha Pack Event Pass Level 10
Icon of the Cold Shoulder Armor Effect
Cold Shoulder
343 Industries All hail the conquering hero. Epic Winter Update Purchase the "Frostbite Effects Set" bundle from the Shop for 1,800 cR
Icon of the Ski Rack Armor Effect
Ski Rack
343 Industries Perfect for a day on the velvet slopes. Epic Winter Update Purchase the "Frostbite Effects Set" bundle from the Shop for 1,800 cR
Retrode Console Armor Effect icon.
Retrode Console
FOTUS A big hit with older Spartans. Legendary Season 03: Echoes Within Purchase the "Level Up!" bundle from the Shop for 1,800 cR
Retrode Lockout Armor Effect icon.
Retrode Lockout
FOTUS Not backwards compatible. Legendary Season 03: Echoes Within Purchase the "Level Up!" bundle from the Shop for 1,800 cR
Synthetic Dawn Armor Effect icon.
Synthetic Dawn
FOTUS Bootstrap code for peripheral visual effects. Legendary Season 03: Echoes Within Purchase the "Synthetic Dawn" bundle from the Shop for 1,200 cR
Icon of the Synthetic Emitters Armor Effect
Synthetic Emitters
Fractures: Firewall Incorporates sensory attacks targeted at unaugmented biologics. Legendary Season 03: Echoes Within Purchase the "Synthetic Runtime" bundle from the Shop for 1,800 cR
Slipstream Factorgrid Armor Effect icon.
Slipstream Factorgrid
FOTUS Not yet approved for mass production. Legendary Season 03: Echoes Within Purchase the "Slipstream Factorgrid" bundle from the Shop for 800 cR
The icon for Slipstream Vectorstrike
Slipstream Vectorstrike
FOTUS Field tests are the best tests. Legendary Season 03: Echoes Within Season 03: Echoes Within Battle Pass level 1 (Premium)
Icon of the HWC23 Victory Wings Armor Effect
Halo WC 2022 Victory Wings
343 Industries To the victor go the spoils! Congratulations to all competitors and fans of Halo World Championship 2023! Legendary Season 04: Infection Purchase the "Halo WC 2023 Championship" bundle from the Shop for 1,000 cR
Leaky Seals armor effect icon.
Leaky Seals
343 Industries Gonna need to get that fixed. Legendary Season 04: Infection Season 04: Infection Battle Pass level 75 (Premium)
Lightspike Gauntlet Armor Effect icon.
Lightspike Gauntlets
343 Industries Spectral analysis confirmed. Legendary Season 04: Infection Purchase the "Photon Groove" bundle from the Shop for 1,600 cR
Lightspike Pauldron Armor Effect icon.
Lightspike Pauldrons
343 Industries Visible light throughout the fight. Legendary Season 04: Infection Purchase the "Photon Groove" bundle from the Shop for 1,600 cR
Spirited Thoughts Armor Effect icon.
Spirited Thoughts
Fracture: Tenrai Painting a new reality. Legendary Season 04: Infection Purchase the "Crimson Dawn" or "Dragonborn" bundle from the Shop for 1,800 or 3,400 cR respectively
Spirited Thoughts Armor Effect icon.
Swim Moves
Fracture: Tenrai Fishing for compliments. Legendary Season 04: Infection Purchase the "Kawari" or "Dragonborn" bundle from the Shop for 1,400 or 3,400 cR respectively
Warning Signs Armor Effect icon.
Warning Signs
343 Industries Watch where you step! Legendary Season 04: Infection Purchase the "Warning Signs" or "Hazmat Haven" bundle from the Shop for 1,500 or 3,400 cR respectively
Icon for the Cloud9 Year 2 Playoffs armor effect.
Year 2 Cloud9 Shoulder FX
343 Industries #C9WIN Epic Season 04: Infection Purchase the "Cloud9 Y2 Gear Up" bundle from the HCS Shop for 1,000 cR
Icon for the Complexity Year 2 Playoffs armor effect.
Year 2 Complexity Shoulder FX
343 Industries Players First. Players Always. Since 2003. Epic Season 04: Infection Purchase the "Complexity Y2 Gear Up" bundle from the HCS Shop for 1,000 cR
Icon for the FaZe Year 2 Playoffs armor effect.
Year 2 FaZe Shoulder FX
343 Industries Stare into the void… FaZe Clan’s Armor FX bring out-of-this-world cosmetics to the battlefield. Give your enemies an existential crisis as they can’t even look you in the eyes - all they can see is dark matter. Epic Season 04: Infection Purchase the "FaZe Y2 Gear Up" bundle from the HCS Shop for 1,000 cR
Icon for the NAVI Year 2 Playoffs armor effect.
Year 2 NAVI Shoulder FX
343 Industries NAVI legendary tag in Halo Infinite. Let your power armor shine in colors of freedom: blue and yellow. Become obsessed with winning like NAVI is. Epic Season 04: Infection Purchase the "NAVI Y2 Gear Up" bundle from the HCS Shop for 1,000 cR
Icon for the OpTic Year 2 Playoffs armor effect.
Year 2 OpTic Gaming Shoulder FX
343 Industries Brick by Brick. Epic Season 04: Infection Purchase the "OpTic Y2 Gear Up" bundle from the HCS Shop for 1,000 cR
Icon for the Quadrant Year 2 Playoffs armor effect.
Year 2 Quadrant Shoulder FX
343 Industries Join the sQUAD with the 2023 Quadrant core pack. Inspired by the racetrack and the battlefield, supercar-like gloss carbon fibre plates & digital camo suit combine to make you stand out and blend in. Epic Season 04: Infection Purchase the "Quadrant Y2 Gear Up" bundle from the HCS Shop for 1,000 cR
Icon for the Sentinels Year 2 Playoffs armor effect.
Year 2 Sentinels Shoulder FX
343 Industries Hail to the Kings of SEN City. Epic Season 04: Infection Purchase the "Sentinels Y2 Gear Up" bundle from the HCS Shop for 1,000 cR
Icon for the SSG Year 2 Playoffs armor effect.
Year 2 Spacestation Gaming Shoulder FX
343 Industries SSG is fantastic, they just need to work on communication, aim, map awareness, power weapon management, grenades, teamwork, positioning, OBJs, retake ability, and slaying. Epic Season 04: Infection Purchase the "Spacestation Y2 Gear Up" bundle from the HCS Shop for 1,000 cR
It is a mistake to assume the parasite cannot innovate.
Blightlands Marauder
The Flood It is a mistake to assume the parasite cannot innovate. Legendary Season 05: Reckoning Purchase the "Flood" super bundle from the Shop for 2,800 cR
Icon for the Candy Corn armor effect.
Candy Corn
343 Industries Expired candy converted into field-expedient up-armor. Legendary Season 05: Reckoning Purchase the "Pumpkin Spice" bundle from the Shop for 1,600 cR
Icon for the Lil' Devil armor effect.
Lil' Devil
343 Industries Oh, you rascal … Legendary Season 05: Reckoning Purchase the "Sanguine Gift" bundle from the Shop for 2,200 cR
In sickness, a new kind of health.
Rotten Vitality
The Flood In sickness, a new kind of health. Legendary Season 05: Reckoning Season 05: Reckoning Battle Pass level 49 (Premium)
Icon of the "Winter Lights" armor effect
Winter Lights
343 Industries Come in from the cold. Legendary Season 05: Reckoning Purchase the "Chill Out" or "Santa's Little Helper" bundle from the Shop for 1,800 cR or 3,400 cR respectively
Icon of the "Winter Step" Armor Effect
Winter Step
343 Industries These feet are made for walking to gifts. Legendary Season 05: Reckoning Purchase the "Hearth Fire" or "Santa's Little Helper" bundle from the Shop for 1,800 cR or 3,400 cR respectively
Icon for the Corinthian Sigil.
Corinthian Sigil
UNSC The Spartans have arrived. Epic Content Update 29 - Spirit of Fire Purchase the "Omega Team" superbundle from the Shop for 3,800 cR
Icon for the Spirit Sigil.
Spirit Sigil
UNSC The crew of the Spirit of Fire are ghosts to the UNSC, but well-known demons to the Banished. Epic Content Update 29 - Spirit of Fire Purchase the "Omega Team" superbundle from the Shop for 3,800 cR
Icon for the Jolly Roger Sigil.
Jolly Roger Sigil
UNSC No quarter given to the Covenant. Epic Content Update 29 - Spirit of Fire Purchase the "Stanchion" bundle from the Shop for 1,800 cR
Icon for the Lunar Coil effect.
Lunar Coil
343 Industries A friend indeed. Legendary Content Update 29 - Spirit of Fire Purchase the "Lunar Coil" bundle from the Shop for 2,200 cR
Icon for the Phoenix Sigil.
Phoenix Sigil
UNSC Reborn and renewed. Epic Content Update 29 - Spirit of Fire Purchase the "Stanchion" bundle from the Shop for 1,800 cR
Icon for the Scales of the Living Dragon.
Scales of the Living Dragon
343 Industries Burn the sky and renew the earth. Legendary Content Update 29 - Spirit of Fire Purchase the "Lunar Coil" bundle from the Shop for 2,200 cR
Mythic Effect Set
Mythic Effect Sets
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Mythic Effect Manufacturer Lore Rarity Introduced In Unlock Requirements
Icon of the Enlightened Path Mythic Effect Set
Enlightened Path
Korolev Heavy Industries There is no destination in this journey. Legendary Season 01: Heroes of Reach Purchase the "Enlightened Path" bundle from the Shop for 2,000 cR
Season Pass Icon
Judgement Flame
FOTUS Leave only ashes in your wake. Legendary Season 01: Heroes of Reach Season 01: Heroes of Reach Battle Pass level 100 (Premium)
Halo Infinite - Menu Icon - Mythic Effect Set - Neon Beat
Neon Beat
Lethbridge Industrial Life is just a lesson. Death is a misperception. Epic Season 01: Heroes of Reach Purchase the "Neon Beat" bundle from the Shop for 1,000 cR
Icon of the Perfect Sector Effect Set
Perfect Sector
343 Industries There's a glitch in the simulation. Epic Season 01: Heroes of Reach Purchase the "Perfect Ascension" bundle from the Shop for 800 cR
Icon of the Beyond the Burrow Armor Effect
Beyond the Burrow
FOTUS A hare-raising adventure! Epic Season 02: Lone Wolves Purchase from the Shop for 300 cR
Icon of the Huntmaster's Trail Effect.
Huntsmaster's Trail
FOTUS Let loose the dogs of war. Epic Season 02: Lone Wolves Season 02: Lone Wolves Battle Pass level 98 (Premium)
Icon of the Legacy of War Effect.
Legacy of War
Fracture: Entrenched Blood and darkness follows in your wake. Epic Season 02: Lone Wolves Purchase from the Shop for 300 cR
Icon of the Fiesta Fury Mythic Effect
Fiesta Fury
343 Industries Party Up! Legendary Winter Update Purchase the "Fiesta Fury" bundle from the Shop for 1,000 cR
Icon of the Verglas Dream Mythic Effect
Verglas Dream
343 Industries Stay frosty. Legendary Winter Update Purchase the "Frostbite Effects Set" bundle from the Shop for 1,800 cR
Retrode Aftermarket Mythic Effect icon.
Retrode Aftermarket
FOTUS New old stock. Legendary Season 03: Echoes Within Purchase the "Level Up!" bundle from the Shop for 1,800 cR
Slipstream Sectorlink icon
Slipstream Sectorlink
FOTUS Perfectly suited for parades and program reviews. Legendary Season 03: Echoes Within Season 03: Echoes Within Battle Pass level 100 (Premium)
HINF Synthetic Markers Effect Set Icon.png
Synthetic Markers
FOTUS Carefully placed for maximum cognitive impact. Legendary Season 03: Echoes Within Purchase the "Synthetic Runtime" bundle from the Shop for 1,800 cR
Gansai Gear Mythic Effect icon.
Gansai Gear
343 Industries Brushstroke of genius. Legendary Season 04: Infection Purchase the "Dragonborn" superbundle from the Shop for 3,400 cR
Hazmat Haven Mythic Effect icon.
Hazmat Haven
343 Industries Caution must be exercised. Legendary Season 04: Infection Purchase the "Hazmat Haven" superbundle from the Shop for 3,400 cR
Photon Groove Mythic Effect icon.
Photon Groove
343 Industries Four on the floor. Legendary Season 04: Infection Purchase the "Purchase the "Photon Groove" bundle from the Shop for 1,600 cR
With each step, the Flood rises higher.
Cruel Tread
The Flood With each step, the Flood rises higher. Legendary Season 05: Reckoning Season 05: Reckoning Battle Pass level 45 (Premium)
Icon for the Mischief Machine mythic effect.
Mischief Machine
343 Industries Always up to no good. Legendary Season 05: Reckoning Purchase the "Sanguine Gift" bundle from the Shop for 2,200 cR
Kill Effect
Kill Effects
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Kill Effects Manufacturer Lore Rarity Introduced In Unlock Requirements
Icon of the Enlightened Blossoms Death Effect.
Enlightened Blossoms
Fractures: Tenrai Beauty blooms in adversity. Legendary Season 01: Heroes of Reach Purchase the "Doom & Bloom" Bundle from the Shop for 700 cR
Season Pass Icon
Judgement Phoenix
FOTUS Ready to be reborn. Legendary Season 01: Heroes of Reach Season 01: Heroes of Reach Battle Pass level 50 (Premium)
Icon of the Neon End Credits Death Effect.
Neon End Credits
343 Industries You can't outrun inevitability. At least, not forever. Epic Season 01: Heroes of Reach Purchase the "Neon End Credits" bundle from the Shop for 600 cR
Icon of the Perfect Decompilation kill effect.
Perfect Decompilation
FOTUS End of line. Epic Season 01: Heroes of Reach TBD
Icon of the Eagle Claw Death Effect.
Eagle Claw
Fractures: Entrenched A sharp pain, then oblivion. Legendary Season 02: Lone Wolves Purchase the "Eagle Claw" bundle from the Shop for 700 cR
Icon of "The Entropy of Spring" Death Effect
The Entropy of Spring
FOTUS Chaos reigns! Legendary Season 02: Lone Wolves The Yappening Event Pass level 10
Icon of the Survival of the Fittest Death Effect.
Survival of the Fittest
FOTUS Dying is not very sigma, bro. Legendary Season 02: Lone Wolves Season 02: Lone Wolves Battle Pass level 1 (Premium)
Icon of the Frostbite Death Effect
Frostbite
343 Industries Put your opponents on ice. Legendary Winter Update Purchase the "Frostbite Effects Set" bundle from the Shop for 1,800 cR
Icon of the Birthday Bash Kill Effect
Birthday Bash
343 Industries Your fiesta. Their siesta. Epic Winter Update Purchase the "Birthday Bash" bundle from the Shop for 0 cR
Icon of the Retrode Emulator kill effect.
Retrode Emulator
FOTUS Emulators not supported. Legendary Season 03: Echoes Within Purchase the "Level Up!" bundle from the Shop for 1,800 cR
Slipstream Endpoint Kill Effect ion
Slipstream Endpoint
FOTUS Custom code is needed to sync with older War Games simulator systems. Legendary Season 03: Echoes Within Season 03: Echoes Within Battle Pass level 50 (Premium)
Icon of the Synthetic Runtime Kill Effect
Synthetic Runtime
FOTUS Simulations within simulations. Legendary Season 03: Echoes Within Purchase the "Synthetic Runtime" bundle from the Shop for 1,800 cR
Biohazardous death effect icon.
Biohazardous
343 Industries You tried to warn them. Legendary Season 04: Infection Season 04: Infection Battle Pass level 25 (Premium)
Icon of the Radio Edit kill effect.
Radio Edit
343 Industries Dropping their beat. Legendary Season 04: Infection Purchase the "BRXX Lightfire" bundle from the Shop for 1,800 cR
Icon of the Whisked Away kill effect.
Whisked Away
Fractures: Tenrai Simply breathtaking. Legendary Season 04: Infection Purchase the "Crimson Dawn" or "Dragonborn" bundle from the Shop for 1,600 cR or 3,400 cR respectively

Trivia[edit]

General trivia[edit]

  • The clip of sound for "Grunt Birthday Party" is an audio sample from Viva Piñata for Xbox 360.[citation needed]
  • "Heart Attack" has the potential to kill enemies in both firefight and matchmaking according to the Bungie.net heatmaps.[1]
  • The hearts of "Heart Attack" are actually based on a temporary effect used by Bungie effects artist Steve Scott for debugging. The effect is also seen in the "Dancing Marty" Easter egg in Halo 3: ODST.[2]
  • The Eternal armor effect was originally exclusive to Bungie employees, before being given out to players who verified their email on Bungie.net in 2011. The "Noble Fire" armor effect seen in Halo Infinite references this, being a blue flaming helmet effect, that is exclusive to 343 Industries employees.

References[edit]

  • Inclement Weather's name is possibly a reference to Cortana's comment on Halo's climate as heard on Halo: Combat Evolved campaign level Assault on the Control Room; "Interesting... the weather patterns here seem natural, not artificial. I wonder if the ring's environment systems are malfunctioning... or if the designers wanted the installation to have inclement weather."

Sources[edit]