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Sentinel beam: Difference between revisions

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{{Ratings}}
{{Status|Canon}}
{{Era|H1|TF|H2|GOO|H3|HW|}}
{{Center|For other uses of the term '''beam''', see [[Beam|here]].}}
 
{{Weapon infobox
{{Weapon
|image = [[File:H3-SentinelBeam.png|300px]] [[File:H2A-SentinelBeam-SideProfile.png|300px]] [[File:H5G - Safeguard Sentinel beam.png |300px]] [[File:HINF SentinelBeam Crop.png|300px]]
| image=[[Image:8311761-Full.jpg|300px]]
|manufacturer= [[Forerunner]]
| name=Sentinel Beam
|series= Containment/Sterilization Instrument<ref name="vis">'''[[Halo: The Essential Visual Guide]]''', ''page 168''</ref>
| manufacturer=Forerunners
|type= [[Particle beam weapon]]
| model=
|cost=
| type=Directed Energy Weapon
|variant=
| cost=
|service=*Forerunner Era
| size=Handheld, Two-handed
*[[Human-Covenant War]]
| damage per hit=Chronological
*[[Post-Covenant War conflicts]]
| magazine=100 battery units
|affiliation = Forerunner
| maxammo=100 battery units
|weight=
| fire=Continuous Fire
|length= {{Convert|63.7|cm|in}}{{Ref/Reuse|vis}}
| velocity=C, 299,792,458 metres/second.
|ammotype = Superheated negative charged ion particle beam{{Ref/Reuse|vis}}
| ammotype=*Minor: Yellow-Orange Laser Beam
|capacity=
*Major: Blue Energy Beam
|feed= 100 battery units housing
| operation=
|operation=
| rate of fire=Continuous
|rate= Automatic
| accuracy=Very High
|velocity =  
| range=Medium to Long Range
|optics=
| era=[[Halo CE]] (usable only through modding and seen by ally/opposing Sentinels), but usable on [[Halo 2]] and [[Halo 3]]
|range = Infinite
| counterpart=[[Assault Rifle]], [[Plasma Rifle]], [[Spiker]]
| counterwep=[[Plasma]] weapons and explosives
| affiliation=[[Forerunner]]
}}
}}
{{Cleanup}}
{{Quote|You can totally dig the [[Aggressor Sentinel|bug-bots]]' own blasters out of their guts and use 'em yourself!|[[Otto-031]]{{Ref/Reuse|bl}}}}
The '''Sentinel beam''' is a [[Forerunner]] [[directed energy weapon]] used by [[Aggressor Sentinel]]s. The weapon is particularly effective against small [[The Flood|Flood]] outbreaks, and is efficient at stripping [[Energy shielding|energy shields]]. Although typically integrated into the structure of an Aggressor, it can be used as a hand-held weapon if scavenged from a destroyed machine.<ref name="bl">'''[[Halo: Blood Line]]''', ''[[Halo: Blood Line Issue 3|Issue 3]]''</ref><ref name="h2">'''[[Halo 2]]'''</ref><ref>'''[[Halo 3]]'''</ref>


The '''Sentinel Beam''' is a [[Forerunner]] [[Wikipedia:Laser|Laser]]-based directed energy [[weapon]]. Sentinel Beams are often integrated into [[Sentinel]]s, from whom the weapon takes its name. The weapon is particularly effective against small [[Flood]] outbreaks and [[energy shields]].
==Design details==
The Sentinel Beam was designed to effectively destroy Flood biomatter, and is intended for use against minor Flood outbreaks. Although the weapon is integrated into an Aggressor's structure, a limited internal power supply allows it to function independently if its wielder is destroyed, though it remains unknown how exactly users trigger the beam. However, when it is not hooked up to an Aggressor, its battery life is very short. The weapon projects a yellow-orange or blue beam of superheated anion particles, which is capable of effectively cutting through flesh, bone and metal.<ref name="Encyclopedia">'''[[Halo Encyclopedia (2009 edition)]]''', ''page 339''</ref> The Sentinel Beam was manufactured and developed by [[Ferrarius Assembler Vats]].{{Ref/Book|Id=Enc22|Enc22|Page=393}}


== Description ==
Two variants of the Sentinel Beam are seen: the standard yellow-orange one in the silver housing, and the more powerful blue beam, which is encased in a gold housing.{{Ref/Reuse|h2}}
The Sentinel Beam was designed to control small outbreaks of the Flood, and was integrated into Sentinels for that very purpose. The weapon projects a yellow-orange or blue beam of energy, which is capable of efficiently cutting through hordes of Flood -- [[Infection Form]]s in particular. Continuous contact from a Sentinel Beam can be devastating against any opponent, especially in ''[[Halo 3]]''.


Like the [[Energy Sword]] and the [[Fuel Rod Gun]], the Sentinel Beam cannot be used by players in ''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]'' without [[modding]]; it later became usable in ''[[Halo 2]]'' and ''Halo 3''. The more powerful blue version of the beam is only available in ''Halo 2'''s [[campaign]]. A ''Halo 2'' [[Easter Egg]] shows a [[dual wielding|dual-wieldable]] version of the weapon.
There is a battery housing on side of the weapon, which has a calibration dial on it and can be adjusted by the user.{{Ref/Note|In-game, the calibration dial cannot be adjusted.}}{{Ref/Reuse|vis}}


The Sentinel Beam runs on a non-rechargeable battery that runs out very quickly. Like the [[Covenant]]'s [[plasma]]-based arsenal, it can temporarily overheat if 20% of the battery is used up in one continuous shot; the weapon vents excess heat extremely quickly in an attempt to counter this. In addition to being effective against the Flood, the Sentinel Beam's ability to rapidly drain energy shields also makes it an effective weapon against the Sentinels themselves.
The beams used by the [[Onyx Sentinel|Sentinels]] at [[Onyx]] were a golden color, with temperatures as high as 15,000 Kelvin.<ref>'''[[Halo: Ghosts of Onyx]]''', ''page 156''</ref> Although this variation of the weapon took significantly longer to charge, it is thought to have been capable of depleting a fully shielded [[MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor/Mark V|MJOLNIR Mark V Armor]] suit. Furthermore, Onyx Sentinels were capable of cooperating to generate golden beams capable of destroying entire [[Covenant]] [[Covenant cruiser|cruisers]].  


A Sentinel Beam's battery drains very rapidly and yet even Sentinels created many thousands of years ago are capable of firing one. It may be possible that a Sentinel Beam attached to a Sentinel is powered by the Sentinel itself. It should be noted, though, that Sentinel Beams taken off of destroyed Sentinels often have some of the battery depleted.
===Advantages===
Continuous contact from a Sentinel Beam can be devastating even for armored opponents, and its ability to rapidly drain energy shields makes it an effective weapon against the Aggressors themselves. The weapon can temporarily overheat if 20% of the battery is used up in one continuous shot; the weapon vents excess heat in an attempt to counter this.  


Sentinel Beams have unlimited range, but they lack a scope because scopes are already present on Sentinels' eyes.
It is, obviously enough, extremely effective when used against Flood, and will cut down any form — including the vaunted [[Flood pure form|pure forms]] — if aimed properly.


=== Monitors ===
It possesses a decent damage rate, amazing accuracy and range, and sustained attacks with the weapon will inflict large amounts of damage. The weapon's [[melee]] attack is about as strong as that of a [[M41 SPNKR|Rocket Launcher]], and is likewise considerably slow. The melee is also capable of disintegrating a [[Flood combat form]], although this process takes many hits and is impractical in most situations.
Also worth noting is the version of the beam that the [[Monitor]] [[343 Guilty Spark]] makes use of. In ''Halo 3'', the construct uses the integrated weapon to destroy a Flood [[Combat Form]], mortally wound [[Sergeant Avery Johnson]], and fight off the [[Master Chief]] and the [[Thel 'Vadam|Arbiter]]. The beam he fires is more powerful than and twice as thick as the usual Sentinel Beam, and is bright red in color rather than orange. It is possible, however, that this beam is not a Sentinel Beam at all.


== In the ''Halo'' games ==
===Disadvantages===
In the ''Halo 2'' [[campaign]], the Sentinel Beam is a deadly weapon, easily capable of stripping the shields of an [[Elite]]. It possesses a decent rate of fire, amazing accuracy and range, and sustained attacks with the weapon inflict large amounts of damage. The beam's targeting reticule is also reasonably centered, making it easier to aim. The weapon's [[melee]] attack is about as strong as that of a [[Rocket Launcher]], and is likewise considerably slow.
When compared to the standard silver variant, the golden Sentinel Beam is more powerful, however it overheats more quickly and its charge depletes faster. This difference is very similar to the relationship between the Covenant's {{Pattern|Okarda'phaa|plasma rifle}} and the {{Pattern|Kewu R'shi'k|plasma rifle}}.


Two variants of the Sentinel Beam are seen in the campaign: the standard yellow-orange one in the silver housing, and the more powerful blue beam, which is encased in a gold housing. While the blue version is more powerful, it is also quite rare and will overheat faster than the standard version of the weapon.
==Variants==
*'''Gold Aggressor Sentinel Beam''': A Sentinel Beam utilized by the [[Aggressor Sentinel Eliminator|Sentinel Eliminators]] from [[Installation 05]]. It fires a stronger blue beam.
*'''Safeguard Sentinel Beam''': The sterilization beams of [[Safeguard Sentinel]]s are highly efficient at containing and cauterizing intrusions into their assigned protectorate. Beam projectors stolen from these Forerunner constructs are still extremely effective, but do suffer from overheating and a limited internal power supply.<ref>[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/news/bounty-hunters '''Halo Waypoint''': ''Canon Fodder 12/7/2016: Issue 94 Bounty Hunters'']</ref>
*'''[[Arcane Sentinel Beam]]''': White painted Sentinel Beam with a mag that was decreased from 250 to 80 but has greatly increased damage. Used by [[Thav 'Sebarim]] during the [[Battle for Zeta Halo]].
<gallery>
File:H2A gold sent beam.png|Gold Sentinel Beam.
File:H5G - Safeguard Sentinel beam.png|Safeguard Sentinel beam.
File:HINF SentinelBeam Crop.png|Installation 07 Sentinel beam.
File:HINF SentinelBeam Arcane Crop.png|Arcane Sentinel Beam.
</gallery>


The beam makes another appearance in ''Halo 3'', with a few visual upgrades and several technical fixes. Unlike its ''Halo 2'' counterpart, the weapon now has virtually infinite range and fires a much stronger beam that, if held consistently on an enemy, can destroy them within seconds. It is, obviously enough, extremely effective when used against Flood, and will cut down any form -- including the vaunted [[Pure Forms]] -- if aimed properly.
==In-game information==
{{Article quote|Continuous fire, directed hardlight energy weapon useful for stripping shields.{{Ref/Game|HI|Academy - Weapon Drills - Sentinel Beam description}}}}
=== Changes from ''Halo: Combat Evolved'' to ''Halo 2'' ===
* Like the [[Type-1 energy sword|Energy Sword]] and the [[Unidentified fuel rod gun|Fuel Rod Gun]], the Sentinel Beam cannot be used by players in ''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]''. In ''Halo 2'', the Sentinel Beam can finally be wielded.
* A golden Aggressor variant is introduced along with its blue-colored beam. This harder-burning beam is more powerful, but it overheats and depletes faster.


In ''Halo 3'', the weapon does not spawn on any unaltered maps, and [[gametype]]s cannot be used to force it to spawn; it is only available in [[Forge]]d map variants. This is likely due to the weapon's increased power and range, which make it devastating in Multiplayer matches.
=== Changes from ''Halo 2'' to ''Halo 3'' ===
* The Sentinel Beam has a few visual upgrades and several technical fixes.  
* The weapon now has virtually infinite range and fires a much stronger beam that, if held consistently on an enemy, can destroy them within seconds.


=== Beam Variants ===
=== Changes from ''Halo 3'' to ''Halo 4'' ===
The blue Sentinel Beam used by [[Sentinel Major]]s is a stronger and more efficient version of the common yellow-orange Sentinel Beam, though it also overheats more quickly and its charge depletes faster. The blue Sentinel Beam is used by [[Sentinel Major]]s.
*The beam fired is now colored purple.
*The Sentinel Beam can no longer be acquired, even after killing an Aggressor Sentinel.


The beams used by the [[Onyx Sentinel|Sentinels]] at [[Onyx]] were a golden color. Although this variation of the weapon took significantly longer to charge, it is thought to have been capable of destroying a fully shielded [[Spartan II|Spartan]]. Furthermore, Onyx Sentinels were capable of cooperating to generate golden beams capable of destroying entire [[Covenant Cruiser]]s. The power of the beams is one of many differences documented in [[Onyx Sentinel|the Sentinel variant's article]]; such differences are likely because Oynx Sentinels were guarding something even more important than the [[Halo Array]]: the [[Shield World]]s.
===Changes from ''Halo 2'' to ''Halo 2: Anniversary''===
* In the remastered multiplayer component of ''Halo 2: Anniversary'', the Sentinel Beam has been made noticeably more powerful than in the original ''Halo 2''.<ref name="H2A teamB">[http://teambeyond.net/warlock-coming-halo-2-anniversary/ '''Team Beyond''': ''Warlock coming to Halo 2: Anniversary'']</ref>
* The lights on the Sentinel Beam now change color and build up along the firing channel's shroud to indicate the level of the weapon's heating.{{Ref/Reuse|H2A teamB}}


==Appearances==
=== Changes from ''Halo 2: Anniversary'' to ''Halo 5: Guardians'' ===
This weapon first appears in [[Halo: Combat Evolved]], though like the [[Energy Sword]] and the [[Fuel Rod Gun]], the player cannot wield it.
* Weapon can now be [[Smart Scope|Smart-Scoped]].
* Players killed by the Sentinel Beam now disintegrate upon death.
* The insignia on the back of the Sentinel Beam changes colors depending on how close it is to overheating.
* When the Sentinel Beam is smart linked, the Spartan will hold it sideways.


In [[Halo 2]], it first appears on [[The Arbiter (Level)|The Arbiter]], where [[Heretic Elites]] used it as a weapon to attempt to stop the [[Arbiter (Character)|Arbiter]] and his allies from eradicating the [[Heretic]] force, in the [[Gas Mine]]. Flood Elite [[Flood Combat Form|Combat Forms]] then used it on [[The Oracle (Level)|The Oracle]], since almost all of the Elite forms were once Heretic Elites. Many of these weapons appear on [[Sacred Icon (Level)|Sacred Icon]] and [[Quarantine Zone (Level)|Quarantine Zone]], where the stronger blue beam versions were available from the many destroyed [[Sentinel Majors]]. It lasted longer than the one in Halo 3.  
=== Changes from ''Halo 5: Guardians'' to ''Halo Infinite'' ===
* The Sentinel Beam runs on ammunition instead of a battery.
* The Sentinel Beam’s appearance is based more heavily on the [[Halo 2: Anniversary]] design.
* The Sentinel Beam pierces through multiple targets depending on the angle.
* The Sentinel Beam emits the same particle effects as the [[Heatwave]] and the [[Cindershot]] on the front of the weapon.
* The Sentinel Beam has a harsh vertical recoil as the weapon is fired.


In [[Halo 3]], It first appears on [[The Ark (Level)|The Ark]], where it can be gained by picking one of the Sentinels being destroyed (by you, although they may attack you if you destroy too many, or the Covenant Loyalists) patrolling the area. Then it was seen on [[The Covenant (Level)|The Covenant]], where some Sentinels were tasked to aid the Arbiter and [[Master Chief]] in their escape from the Flood in the [[Ark]]'s [[Citadel]]. When Master Chief, the Arbiter and Johnson arrive on the new [[Installation 04 (II)]], they had to clear the Flood blocking their way to the Control Room with the assistance of Sentinels. When one of the Sentinels is destroyed, the Sentinel Beam will remain intact. When the monitor 343 Guilty Spark was destroyed, and the Halo ring activated, Sentinels turned on the escaping Spartan and the Arbiter, which caused several casualties and left their Beam weapons collectible to them. The energy of this weapon was drained when using rather than the one in Halo 2.
==Trivia==
 
{{linkbox|gallery=yes|gameplay=yes|gallerypage=Images of Sentinel Beam}}
==Character Compatibility==
*The only way to use the Sentinel Beam in the ''Halo: Combat Evolved'' engine without extensive use of the Developer mode is to use ''[[Halo Custom Edition]]''. Such usage is to acquire the Sentinel Beam involves using bump possession to attain an Aggressor Sentinel, then switching back to Master Chief and have him destroy said Aggressor, and exchange a weapon for the Beam. The Beam is not visible from the first- or third-person view, and if the player presses the fire button a damaging red beam will appear from the center of the screen.
*[[Elite]]s ([[Halo 2]] and [[Halo 3]])
*Flood Combat Forms are able to wield Sentinel Beams with one hand.
*[[Spartan II]]s ([[Halo 2]] and [[Halo 3]])
*In ''Halo 2'', an [[Enforcer]] will fire an invisible Sentinel Beam if all of its other weapon system have been destroyed. If the Enforcer is destroyed, there will not be any Sentinel Beam left in its wreckage for the player to use.
*[[Sentinels]]
*In ''Halo 2'', if the player throws a grenade when their Sentinel Beam is overheating, sometimes the animation for throwing the explosive will not appear, and a grenade will just "fly" out from the player.
*[[Monitor]]s
*In ''Halo 3'', the beam appears to impact with large force, as it is able to flip an airborne Warthog with minimal effort, a feat that not even explosive weapons can achieve. This is easily witnessed during the Warthog run near the end of the game.
*In ''Halo 3'', the weapon does not spawn on any unaltered multiplayer maps, and [[gametype]]s cannot be used to force it to spawn; it is only available in [[Forge]]d map variants, the [[Bungie vs World]] playlist and the Maption Sack playlist. This is likely due to the weapon's increased power and range, which make it devastating in Multiplayer matches.
*The [[Forerunner automated turret]] in ''Halo 3'' fire beams similar to that of the Sentinel Beam.
*The Covenant [[M'tara-pattern focus rifle|Focus Rifle]] is an attempt at reverse-engineering the Sentinel Beam, though it has several functional differences.<ref>'''Halo: The Essential Visual Guide''', ''page 71''</ref>
*Although the Aggressor Sentinel does make an appearance in ''Halo 4'', when destroyed by Covenant remnant forces, if the wreckage of the sentinels is investigated, the player will find no leftover Sentinel Beams. This is because sentinels in ''Halo 4'' disappear instead of producing pieces of wreckage.<ref>'''Halo 4 Prima Official Game Guide''' (Collector's Edition), page 110</ref>
*For some reason, in ''Halo 2: Anniversary'', both the basic and gold versions of the Sentinel Beam have the same in-game model after they leave the body of its host sentinel.


==[[Multiplayer]]==
==Gallery==
[[Image:Sentinel Warthog.jpg|thumb|Right|A player firing the weapon from the passenger seat of a Warthog. Note the single-handed wielding.]]The Sentinel Beam is quite rare in multiplayer games, and if available, it can be a powerful weapon in the hands of experts. In ''[[Halo 2]]'', the Sentinel Beam is useful, but in ''[[Halo 3]]'' it is one of the best weapons in the game. On many [[Infection]] game types, when [[Zombies]] have instant death, the Sentinel Beam is very powerful, allowing a player to sweep an area at any range, killing all foes in the immediate area.
===Concept art===
<gallery>
File:H2A-SentinelBeam-Concept.jpg|Concept art for the Sentinel beam in ''[[Halo 2: Anniversary]]''.
File:H2A-SentinelBeam-Render-02.jpg|Unfinished renders of the Sentinel beam in ''Halo 2: Anniversary''.
File:H5G-sentinelbeam-sketches.jpg|Early concept art for the Safeguard Sentinel beam in ''[[Halo 5: Guardians]]''.
File:H5G-sentinelbeam-sketches 2.jpg|Concept art nearing the final design.
File:H5G-sentinelbeam-concept-handles.jpg|Concept art of Sentinel beam handles.
File:H5G-sentinelbeam-concept-rough.jpg|Rough concept art of the ''Halo 5: Guardians'' Sentinel beam.
File:H5G sentinel beam concept art final.jpg|Finalized concept art.
File:HINF-Concept-SentinelBeamSketch.png|Concept sketches of the Sentinel beam in ''[[Halo Infinite]]''.
File:HINF-Concept-SentinelBeam.jpg|Finalized concept art of the ''Halo Infinite'' Sentinel beam.
</gallery>
===Screenshots===
<gallery>
File:H2A Base Beam Hud1.png|First-person of the Sentinel beam in ''[[Halo 2]]''.
File:H2A Base Beam Hud2.png|First-person of the Sentinel beam in ''Halo 2'' firing.
File:H2-SentinelBeam-Side-Screen.png|An in-game side view of a Sentinel beam in ''Halo 2''.
File:H2-SentinelBeam-Side.png|Extracted view of the Sentinel beam in ''Halo 2''.
File:H2A Gold Beam Hud1.png|First-person of the Gold Sentinel beam in ''Halo 2''.
File:H2A Gold Beam Hud2.png|First-person of the Gold Sentinel beam in ''Halo 2'' firing.
File:H2A Gold Beam.png|An in-game side view of a Gold Sentinel beam in ''Halo 2''.
File:H2 Compare beams.png|Both Sentinel beam designs side by side in ''Halo 2''.
File:8311761-Full.jpg|A Sentinel beam on [[Installation 00]] in ''[[Halo 3]]''.
File:H3-SentinelBeam-FirstPerson.png|First-person view of the Sentinel beam in the player's hands in ''Halo 3''.
File:Halo-3-20070923023602661.jpg|The Sentinel beam's targeting reticule in ''Halo 3''.
File:Sentinel Warthog.jpg|A player firing the weapon from the passenger seat of a Warthog. Note the single-handed wielding.
File:H3_SentinelFiring.jpg|A Sentinel Aggressor firing its Sentinel beam in ''Halo 3''.
File:HTMCC-H4 AggressorSentinels 2.png|Aggressor Sentinels firing their Sentinel beams in ''[[Halo 4]] [[Spartan Ops]]''.
File:HTMCC-H4 AggressorsVsKnight 2.png|Sentinels firing Sentinel beams at a [[Promethean Knight]] in ''Halo 4 Spartan Ops''.
File:H2ACP-SentinelBeamHUD.png|First-person view of the Sentinel beam in ''Halo 2: Anniversary'' campaign.
File:H2A Base Beam Hud4.png|First-person view of the Sentinel beam in ''Halo 2: Anniversary'' campaign firing.
File:H2A Base Beam.png|An in-game side view of the Sentinel beam in ''Halo 2: Anniversary'' campaign.
File:H2A Gold Beam Hud3.png|First-person view of the Gold Sentinel beam in ''Halo 2: Anniversary'' campaign.
File:H2A Gold Beam Hud4.png|First-person view of the Gold Sentinel beam in ''Halo 2: Anniversary'' campaign firing.
File:H2A Compare beams.png|Both Sentinel beam designs side by side in ''Halo 2''.
File:Warlord-5.png|The Sentinel beam being used on the ''Halo 2: Anniversary'' multiplayer map [[Warlord]].
File:H2AMP-SentinelBeam.png|A Sangheili firing a Sentinel beam on [[Skyward]].
File:H5G-SafeguardSentinelBeamHUD.png|First-person view of the Safeguard Sentinel beam in ''Halo 5: Guardians''.
File:H5G-SafeguardSentinelBeamzoom.png|[[Smart scope]] with the Safeguard Sentinel beam.
File:H5G-SafeguardSentinelBeamOverheat.png|The Safeguard Sentinel beam overheating.
File:H5G-SafeguardSentinelBeamFiring.png|A [[CENTURION-class Mjolnir|Centurion]]-clad [[SPARTAN-IV program|Spartan-IV]] firing the Safeguard Sentinel beam.
File:H5G-SafeguardSentinelBeamOverheat-ThirdPerson.png|A Centurion-clad Spartan-IV with an overheated Safeguard Sentinel beam on [[Torque]].
File:HO-SentinelBeam.jpg|First-person view of the Sentinel beam in ''[[Halo Online]]''.
File:HINF-SentinelBeamFirstPerson.png|First-person view of holding the Sentinel beam in ''Halo Infinite''.
File:HI-sentinelbeam-firing.png|First-person view of the Sentinel beam being fired in ''Halo Infinite''.
File:HINF-SentinelBeam-ThirdPerson.png|A [[FIREFALL-class Mjolnir|Firefall]]-clad Spartan holding the Sentinel beam in ''Halo Infinite''.
File:HINF Sentinel Beam Disintegrating Elite.png|[[John-117]] uses a Sentinel Beam to disintegrate a [[Banished]] [[Sangheili Mercenary]] in ''Halo Infinite''.
File:HINF Command Spire disintegrating grunt.png|The Sentinel beam being used to vaporize [[Unggoy Conscript]]s.
</gallery>


===Other tips===
==List of appearances==
====Halo Custom Edition====
*''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]'' {{1st}}
The Sentinel Beam is only available for use in [[Halo Custom Edition]] if you bump-possess a [[Sentinel]], carry out a certain order of steps, or simply modify the desired level so that you start with a Sentinel Beam or as a Sentinel. The beam never runs out, but it is relatively ineffective against other players. Excluding the results of [[modding]], the weapon is only used by Sentinels.
*''[[Halo: The Flood]]''
*''[[Halo 2]]''
*''[[Halo 3]]''
*''[[Halo Wars]]''
*''[[Halo: Blood Line]]''
*''[[Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary]]''
*''[[Halo 4]]''
**''[[Spartan Ops]]''
*''[[Halo: Broken Circle]]''
*''[[Halo 2: Anniversary]]''
*''[[Halo: Last Light]]''
*''[[Halo 5: Guardians]]''
*''[[Halo Wars 2]]''
*''[[Halo: Divine Wind]]''
*''[[Halo Infinite]]''


====''Halo 2''====
==Notes==
*In ''Halo 2'', the Sentinel Beam appears as a default weapon in the [[base]]s on [[Backwash]] and [[Desolation]].
{{Ref/Notes}}
*The weapon can actually make it harder for enemy players to see if it is aimed at their head, but such a tactic should only be attempted at short to medium range.
*This is best used in a small map like [[Warlock]]. Also good for [[Headlong]] as long as you have other more powerful weapons with you.
*If the Sentinel Beam is the only weapon you have, conserve ammo and rely on meleeing as much as possible. It has a quick and effective melee. Only fire the weapon when your target is far away, because ammo goes fast. Melee in close quarters, and avoid deadly crossfire. Replace it as often as possible.
*If you have other weapons on the map, use those. The Sentinel Beam is effective, but hard to aim. Only use it if you have advantages over other players, such as better aim.
*A Sentinel Beam is useful against unshielded foes, so a [[grenade]] to take down the opponent's shields followed by a burst from the Sentinel Beam can quickly kill an opponent.
*A widely refuted myth about this weapon is that it can score head shots. This is partially true. Like the [[Magnum]], [[Battle Rifle]], [[Covenant Carbine]], [[Sniper Rifle]], and [[Beam Rifle]], it can get head shots, but only if you are already aiming at the head when you start shooting, i.e., it will not work if you sweep the beam to the target's head.
*The Sentinel Beam is accurate at any distance.
*Ironically, it is a very good weapon against Sentinels.
*On the ''Halo 2'' Campaign level [[Quarantine Zone]], you can, at start, give two of your [[Elite]] allies a Sentinel Beam, and have them board the riding seats of your [[Spectre]]. Since NPCs can't run out of ammo, they make excellent weaponry. Sadly, further in the mission, if you manage to keep both Elites and Spectre intact to that point, you have to leave the Spectre.
 
====''Halo 3''====
*During a game of [[Infection]], the Sentinel Beam is an effective way to rid yourself of chasing Zombie forces, but take care as to where you aim, since the beam is easy to spot and is likely to give your position away if the shot goes astray.
*When loading up vehicles, a Sentinel Beam in the passenger seat is an incredibly deadly tool. The most flexible location is in the back seat of a [[Mongoose]], although the passenger seat of a [[Warthog]] or [[Prowler]] is also useful and advantageous to the match. The advantage of vehicle-bound Sentinel Beams is that it can 'clothesline' foes.
*Even though it is a headshot weapon, try aiming it at the stomach area for better accuracy, as the weapon is powerful enough to not need a headshot.
*Steady shots can make the Sentinel Beam a great anti-sniper weapon. Fire at the sniper and then sweep the area. You will eventually meet your target, and they will have a difficult time evading the beam.
*The Sentinel Beam has an extremely large power consumption rate, about 5% per second, so always carry a backup weapon and try to save the Beam for emergencies.
*The Sentinel Beam is very useful for taking down a [[Brute]]'s [[Power Armor]] quickly and effectively. It is also great for taking down [[Jackals]] and their shields as well as [[Grunts]]' armor, but it may overheat.
*The Sentinel Beam is great against the Flood, as Infection Forms will burst if they are even slightly touched by the beam. Human Flood forms will die instantly, though Elite and Brute forms may take longer to kill. Aim for the Infection Form embedded in their chest and you'll kill it. [[Pure Forms]] are tougher, but [[Stalker Form|Stalkers]] and [[Ranged Form]]s will die by the time it overheats. [[Tank Form]]s however, will take two long blasts to take down from the stomach or for a possibly instant kill, aim for the mouth.
*The Sentinel Beam was not available in any [[Matchmaking]] playlists, until it was featured on certain map variants used in the [[Bungie vs World]] playlist. Its exlcusion from regular matchmaking is likely due to the weapon's power.
*If you encounter a [[Wraith]], aim at the gunner with the Sentinel Beam. Sustain your fire, and you'll kill the Brute gunner. It'll overheat, but Wraith mortars are more easily dodged than [[Plasma Cannon]] shots.
 
==Trivia==
*This is the only usable Forerunner weapon in the trilogy, other than the Major Sentinel's beam.
*Even though the beam looks as if it goes on forever, it doesn’t. If you stand on top of the building near the back alley with the Warthogs in [[Headlong]], you can shoot towards the bridge across the map and a second player can see that the beam ends.
*It is currently not available by default in '''any''' known Halo 3 multiplayer map. It is only available in Forge, and Custom Games (apart from a handful of special community maps chosen by Bungie for the [[7 on the 7th]] and [[Bungie vs World]] playlists.
*The [[Automated Turret]] uses a similar beam to that of the [[Sentinel Major]] from [[Halo 2]].
*In Halo 2, there is a lone Sentinel that fires [[Needler]] rounds and drops a Needler when killed. This was meant to be a test when Bungie was experimenting with different weapons for the Sentinels. None of these new weapons made it into the final version of the game, but the lone [[Needler Sentinel]] was not deleted from the final product.
*In [[Halo 2]], when a Sentinel Major's Sentinel Beam is dropped, it has the steel color of a Minor's beam, but when picked up is colored gold like a [[Sentinel Major]]'s beam, denoting an error on Bungie's behalf.
*The Sentinels on [[Onyx]] have beams with temperatures as high as 15,000 Kelvin<ref> [[Halo: Ghosts of Onyx]]</ref>
*Some have speculated that the [[Spartan Laser]] was based on the Sentinel Beam. This is, if unlikely, certainly possible as Humans were alleged to have discovered [[Forerunner]] structures before meeting the [[Covenant]].
*Despite the fact that it has no scope, the Sentinel Beam can also be treated as a sniper weapon, due to the extremely long range and accuracy.
*A Sentinel Beam can easily drain a player's shields on multiplayer, even with overshields on. A player can be killed in just a few seconds of direct fire.
*The only enemies that use Sentinel Beams besides the Sentinels are [[Heretic Elites]] and their infected [[Combat Form|counterpart]] in Halo 2.
*Spartans and Elites hold the Sentinel Beam like a Support Weapon such as a turret or a [[Flamethrower]].
*The Sentinel Beam is used as "cutting laser" and a holy beam to end the Preceptor's power in the popular Halo Machinima [[The Codex]].
*The Sentinel Beam's beam appears in orange and light blue colors. 343 Guilty Spark uses a much stronger and more powerful red colored Sentinel Beam.
*When a passenger is in a ground UNSC vehicle, the weapon is held with one hand, giving the appearance of the beam being shot from the Passengers hand, not the Sentinel Beam.
*In [[Halo: Combat Evolved]], this weapon was not able to be wielded. When a [[Sentinel]] was destroyed, the weapon was either destroyed with the body, or simply too attached to be removed.
*When the popular Machinima [[Red vs. Blue]] first began utilizing [[Halo 2]], the players used as camera men used the Sentinel Beam to film as the makers of the show felt that it took up the least amount of room on the screen.{{fact}}  
*The Sentinel Beam is extremely powerful against [[Flood]]; if the player concentrates a shot for a few seconds it will kill most Flood Forms.
*[[Forerunners]] referred to the [[Sentinels]] and their beams as "our very basic countermeasures".
*The Monitor's Sentinel Beam seems to be a crossing between a [[Spartan Laser]] and a Sentinel Beam.
*In Halo 2, you can hold a Sentinel Beam as primary weapon and a Major Sentinel Beam as a secondary weapon.
*[[Quarantine Zone]] and [[Sacred Icon]] are the only levels in which you can get the Major Sentinel Beam.
*There are only [[7]] levels in the Halo Trilogy where you can get the Sentinel Beam.
*The Sentinel beam is strong enough to knock around the bodies of [[Grunt|Grunts]], [[Jackals]] and [[Drones]] if hit in Halo 2.
*If you disarm an [[Enforcer]] by shooting its weapons off, its last resort weapon is an invisible sentinel beam.
*[[Halo 2]] is the only [[Halo]] game with a [[Sentinel Major]] beam.
*On the Halo 2 level [[The Arbiter (Level)|The Arbiter]], if you look along the tunnel, you will see a [[Heretic Grunt]] sleeping with a Sentinel Beam.
*It is possible to "rapid melee" with a Sentinel Beam like previously allowed with weapons in [[Halo 2]] by tapping the crouch button and the melee button. It is unknown why this is possible. The Sentinel Beam and the Gravity Hammer are the only weapons currently known to have the ability to rapid melee in [[Halo 3]] but, this is probably an overlooked mistake by Bungie since "rapid meleeing" was exclusive to Halo 2.
*In ''Halo 2'', if you give an Elite a Sentinel Beam, he will hold it with his left hand over the weapon and will have his hand bent awkwardly.
*In [[Halo: Combat Evolved|Halo: CE]] if you bump-possess a Sentinel in Developer Mode, you can pick up Assault Rifles and use them, as a Sentinel. This is the only other weapon a Sentinel can use, the other being its beam.
*If you bump-possess a Sentinel in [[Halo:Combat Evolved|Halo: CE]], using its beam on another Sentinel will not hurt it, but it will lower its shield, that's if it has one.
*There are only two weapons that a sentinel can use (besides the sentinel beam/major sentinel beam) in Halo: Combat Evolved; the assault rifle and the deleted gravity rifle, which still exists in the game's code.


==Sources==
==Sources==
<references/>
{{Ref/Sources}}
 
==Related Pages==
*[[Sentinels]]
*[[Sentinel Major]]


{{Forerunner2}}
{{Forerunner|weapons|category=no}}
[[Category:The Forerunner]]
[[Category:Forerunner weapons]]
[[Category:Held Weapons]]
[[Category:Directed-energy weapons]]
[[Category:Weapons]]

Latest revision as of 01:50, September 20, 2023

For other uses of the term beam, see here.
Sentinel beam
H3-SentinelBeam.png H2A-SentinelBeam-SideProfile.png A render of the Safeguard Sentinel Beam. A transparent crop of the Halo Infinite Sentinel Beam in-game model. Courtesy of User:BaconShelf.
Production overview

Manufacturer:

Forerunner

Model series:

Containment/Sterilization Instrument[1]

Type:

Particle beam weapon

Specifications

Length:

63.7 centimetres (25.1 in)[1]

Ammunition type:

Superheated negative charged ion particle beam[1]

Feed system:

100 battery units housing

Rate of fire:

Automatic

Effective range:

Infinite

Service history

In service:

 

"You can totally dig the bug-bots' own blasters out of their guts and use 'em yourself!"
Otto-031[2]

The Sentinel beam is a Forerunner directed energy weapon used by Aggressor Sentinels. The weapon is particularly effective against small Flood outbreaks, and is efficient at stripping energy shields. Although typically integrated into the structure of an Aggressor, it can be used as a hand-held weapon if scavenged from a destroyed machine.[2][3][4]

Design details[edit]

The Sentinel Beam was designed to effectively destroy Flood biomatter, and is intended for use against minor Flood outbreaks. Although the weapon is integrated into an Aggressor's structure, a limited internal power supply allows it to function independently if its wielder is destroyed, though it remains unknown how exactly users trigger the beam. However, when it is not hooked up to an Aggressor, its battery life is very short. The weapon projects a yellow-orange or blue beam of superheated anion particles, which is capable of effectively cutting through flesh, bone and metal.[5] The Sentinel Beam was manufactured and developed by Ferrarius Assembler Vats.[6]

Two variants of the Sentinel Beam are seen: the standard yellow-orange one in the silver housing, and the more powerful blue beam, which is encased in a gold housing.[3]

There is a battery housing on side of the weapon, which has a calibration dial on it and can be adjusted by the user.[Note 1][1]

The beams used by the Sentinels at Onyx were a golden color, with temperatures as high as 15,000 Kelvin.[7] Although this variation of the weapon took significantly longer to charge, it is thought to have been capable of depleting a fully shielded MJOLNIR Mark V Armor suit. Furthermore, Onyx Sentinels were capable of cooperating to generate golden beams capable of destroying entire Covenant cruisers.

Advantages[edit]

Continuous contact from a Sentinel Beam can be devastating even for armored opponents, and its ability to rapidly drain energy shields makes it an effective weapon against the Aggressors themselves. The weapon can temporarily overheat if 20% of the battery is used up in one continuous shot; the weapon vents excess heat in an attempt to counter this.

It is, obviously enough, extremely effective when used against Flood, and will cut down any form — including the vaunted pure forms — if aimed properly.

It possesses a decent damage rate, amazing accuracy and range, and sustained attacks with the weapon will inflict large amounts of damage. The weapon's melee attack is about as strong as that of a Rocket Launcher, and is likewise considerably slow. The melee is also capable of disintegrating a Flood combat form, although this process takes many hits and is impractical in most situations.

Disadvantages[edit]

When compared to the standard silver variant, the golden Sentinel Beam is more powerful, however it overheats more quickly and its charge depletes faster. This difference is very similar to the relationship between the Covenant's Okarda'phaa-pattern plasma rifle and the Kewu R'shi'k-pattern plasma rifle.

Variants[edit]

  • Gold Aggressor Sentinel Beam: A Sentinel Beam utilized by the Sentinel Eliminators from Installation 05. It fires a stronger blue beam.
  • Safeguard Sentinel Beam: The sterilization beams of Safeguard Sentinels are highly efficient at containing and cauterizing intrusions into their assigned protectorate. Beam projectors stolen from these Forerunner constructs are still extremely effective, but do suffer from overheating and a limited internal power supply.[8]
  • Arcane Sentinel Beam: White painted Sentinel Beam with a mag that was decreased from 250 to 80 but has greatly increased damage. Used by Thav 'Sebarim during the Battle for Zeta Halo.

In-game information[edit]

Continuous fire, directed hardlight energy weapon useful for stripping shields.[9]

Changes from Halo: Combat Evolved to Halo 2[edit]

  • Like the Energy Sword and the Fuel Rod Gun, the Sentinel Beam cannot be used by players in Halo: Combat Evolved. In Halo 2, the Sentinel Beam can finally be wielded.
  • A golden Aggressor variant is introduced along with its blue-colored beam. This harder-burning beam is more powerful, but it overheats and depletes faster.

Changes from Halo 2 to Halo 3[edit]

  • The Sentinel Beam has a few visual upgrades and several technical fixes.
  • The weapon now has virtually infinite range and fires a much stronger beam that, if held consistently on an enemy, can destroy them within seconds.

Changes from Halo 3 to Halo 4[edit]

  • The beam fired is now colored purple.
  • The Sentinel Beam can no longer be acquired, even after killing an Aggressor Sentinel.

Changes from Halo 2 to Halo 2: Anniversary[edit]

  • In the remastered multiplayer component of Halo 2: Anniversary, the Sentinel Beam has been made noticeably more powerful than in the original Halo 2.[10]
  • The lights on the Sentinel Beam now change color and build up along the firing channel's shroud to indicate the level of the weapon's heating.[10]

Changes from Halo 2: Anniversary to Halo 5: Guardians[edit]

  • Weapon can now be Smart-Scoped.
  • Players killed by the Sentinel Beam now disintegrate upon death.
  • The insignia on the back of the Sentinel Beam changes colors depending on how close it is to overheating.
  • When the Sentinel Beam is smart linked, the Spartan will hold it sideways.

Changes from Halo 5: Guardians to Halo Infinite[edit]

  • The Sentinel Beam runs on ammunition instead of a battery.
  • The Sentinel Beam’s appearance is based more heavily on the Halo 2: Anniversary design.
  • The Sentinel Beam pierces through multiple targets depending on the angle.
  • The Sentinel Beam emits the same particle effects as the Heatwave and the Cindershot on the front of the weapon.
  • The Sentinel Beam has a harsh vertical recoil as the weapon is fired.

Trivia[edit]

  • The only way to use the Sentinel Beam in the Halo: Combat Evolved engine without extensive use of the Developer mode is to use Halo Custom Edition. Such usage is to acquire the Sentinel Beam involves using bump possession to attain an Aggressor Sentinel, then switching back to Master Chief and have him destroy said Aggressor, and exchange a weapon for the Beam. The Beam is not visible from the first- or third-person view, and if the player presses the fire button a damaging red beam will appear from the center of the screen.
  • Flood Combat Forms are able to wield Sentinel Beams with one hand.
  • In Halo 2, an Enforcer will fire an invisible Sentinel Beam if all of its other weapon system have been destroyed. If the Enforcer is destroyed, there will not be any Sentinel Beam left in its wreckage for the player to use.
  • In Halo 2, if the player throws a grenade when their Sentinel Beam is overheating, sometimes the animation for throwing the explosive will not appear, and a grenade will just "fly" out from the player.
  • In Halo 3, the beam appears to impact with large force, as it is able to flip an airborne Warthog with minimal effort, a feat that not even explosive weapons can achieve. This is easily witnessed during the Warthog run near the end of the game.
  • In Halo 3, the weapon does not spawn on any unaltered multiplayer maps, and gametypes cannot be used to force it to spawn; it is only available in Forged map variants, the Bungie vs World playlist and the Maption Sack playlist. This is likely due to the weapon's increased power and range, which make it devastating in Multiplayer matches.
  • The Forerunner automated turret in Halo 3 fire beams similar to that of the Sentinel Beam.
  • The Covenant Focus Rifle is an attempt at reverse-engineering the Sentinel Beam, though it has several functional differences.[11]
  • Although the Aggressor Sentinel does make an appearance in Halo 4, when destroyed by Covenant remnant forces, if the wreckage of the sentinels is investigated, the player will find no leftover Sentinel Beams. This is because sentinels in Halo 4 disappear instead of producing pieces of wreckage.[12]
  • For some reason, in Halo 2: Anniversary, both the basic and gold versions of the Sentinel Beam have the same in-game model after they leave the body of its host sentinel.

Gallery[edit]

Concept art[edit]

Screenshots[edit]

List of appearances[edit]

Notes[edit]

  1. ^ In-game, the calibration dial cannot be adjusted.

Sources[edit]

  1. ^ a b c d Halo: The Essential Visual Guide, page 168
  2. ^ a b Halo: Blood Line, Issue 3
  3. ^ a b Halo 2
  4. ^ Halo 3
  5. ^ Halo Encyclopedia (2009 edition), page 339
  6. ^ Halo Encyclopedia (2022 edition), page 393
  7. ^ Halo: Ghosts of Onyx, page 156
  8. ^ Halo Waypoint: Canon Fodder 12/7/2016: Issue 94 Bounty Hunters
  9. ^ Halo Infinite, Academy - Weapon Drills - Sentinel Beam description
  10. ^ a b Team Beyond: Warlock coming to Halo 2: Anniversary
  11. ^ Halo: The Essential Visual Guide, page 71
  12. ^ Halo 4 Prima Official Game Guide (Collector's Edition), page 110