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Sentinel beam: Difference between revisions

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{{Ratings}}
{{Status|Canon}}
{{Era|H1|TF|H2|GOO|H3|HW|SPB}}
{{Center|For other uses of the term '''beam''', see [[Beam|here]].}}
{{Cleanup}}
{{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]]
 
|manufacturer= [[Forerunner]]
|image = [[Image:8311761-Full.jpg|300px]]
|series= Containment/Sterilization Instrument<ref name="vis">'''[[Halo: The Essential Visual Guide]]''', ''page 168''</ref>
|name = Sentinel Beam
|type= [[Particle beam weapon]]
|manufacturer = Forerunners
|cost=
|type = [[Directed Energy Weapon]]
|variant=
|size = Handheld, Two-handed
|service=*Forerunner Era
|damage per hit = Chronological
*[[Human-Covenant War]]
|magazine = 100 battery units
*[[Post-Covenant War conflicts]]
|maxammo = 100 battery units
|affiliation = Forerunner
|fire = Continuous Fire
|weight=
|ammotype = *Minor: Yellow-Orange Laser Beam
|length= {{Convert|63.7|cm|in}}{{Ref/Reuse|vis}}
*Major: Blue Energy Beam
|ammotype = Superheated negative charged ion particle beam{{Ref/Reuse|vis}}
|rate of fire = Continuous
|capacity=
|velocity = C, 299,792,458 metres/second.
|feed= 100 battery units housing
|accuracy = Very High
|operation=
|range = Infinte
|rate= Automatic
|era = ''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]'' (usable only through modding and seen by ally/opposing Sentinels), but usable on ''[[Halo 2]]'' and ''[[Halo 3]]''
|velocity =  
|counterpart = [[Assault Rifle]], [[Plasma Rifle]], [[Spiker]]
|optics=
|counterwep = [[Plasma]] weapons and explosives
|range = Infinite
|affiliation = [[Forerunner]]
}}
}}
The '''Sentinel Beam''' is a [[Forerunner]] [[Directed Energy Weapon]]. Sentinel Beams are often integrated into the center of [[Sentinel]]s, from whom the weapon takes its name. The weapon is particularly effective against small [[Flood]] outbreaks and [[energy shields]].
{{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>


== Description ==
==Design details==
The Sentinel Beam was designed to control small outbreaks of the [[Flood]], and was integrated into [[Sentinels]] for that very purpose. Even though the weapon is integrated into Sentinel's endostructure, it contains a secondary power source independent of the Sentinel and allows someone to salvage and use it if intact. The weapon projects a yellow-orange or blue beam of energy (reserved to the advanced [[Sentinel Majors]]), which is capable of effectively cutting through organic matter such as unarmoured hordes of Flood -- [[Infection Form]]s in particular. Continuous contact from a Sentinel Beam can be devastating against any opponent, especially in ''[[Halo 3]]''.
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}}


Like the [[Energy Sword]] and the [[Fuel Rod Gun]], the Sentinel Beam cannot be used by players in ''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]'' without extensive use of the Dev Mode. Such usage to acquire the Sentinel Beam involves using bump possession to attain a Sentinel and then switching back to Master Chief and have him destroy said Sentinel and exchange a weapon for the Beam. The beam is not visible from the first or second person view and if the player presses the fire button a damaging red beam will appear from the center of the screen. It later became usable in ''[[Halo 2]]'' and ''Halo 3''. A more powerful blue version of the beam is only available in ''Halo 2'''s [[campaign]].
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 runs on a non-rechargeable battery that runs out very quickly, 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. A possible explanation is that the Sentinel cannot power the weapon itself and relies on the battery but can recharge it outside of combat. 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.
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}}


=== Monitors ===
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]].  
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. When a monitor is killed, no Sentinel Beam drops from it so, it's possible that this beam is not a Sentinel Beam at all.


== In the Halo games ==
===Advantages===
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. The melee is also capable of disintegrating a [[Combat Form]], although this process takes many hits and is impractical in most situations.
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.  


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.
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.


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.
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.


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.
===Disadvantages===
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}}.


=== Beam Variants ===
==Variants==
The blue Sentinel Beam used by the [[Sentinel Major]]s is a more powerful variant of the common yellow-orange Sentinel Beam, though it also overheats more quickly and its charge depletes faster. This difference is very similar to the relationship between the [[Plasma Rifle]] and the [[Brute Plasma Rifle]].
*'''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 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 Armor]] suit. 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 Onyx Sentinels were guarding something even more important than the [[Halo Array]]: the [[Shield World]]s.
==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.


==Appearances==
=== Changes from ''Halo 2'' to ''Halo 3'' ===
In ''[[Halo 2]]'', it first appears on {{Levelname|The Arbiter}}, where [[Heretic Elites]] used it as a weapon to attempt to stop the Arbiter and his allies from eradicating the [[Heretic]] force, in the [[Gas Mine]]. Flood Elite Combat Forms then used it on {{Levelname|The Oracle}}, since almost all of the Elite forms were once Heretic Elites. Many of these weapons appear on {{Levelname|Sacred Icon}} and {{Levelname|Quarantine Zone}}, where the stronger blue beam versions were available from the many destroyed [[Sentinel Majors]].
* 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.


In ''[[Halo 3]]'', It first appears on {{Levelname|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 {{Levelname|The Covenant}}, where some Sentinels were tasked to aid the Arbiter and [[John-117]] in their escape from the Flood in [[Installation 00|the Ark]]'s [[Citadel (Forerunner)|Citadel]]. When Master Chief, the Arbiter and Johnson arrive on the new [[Installation 04B]], 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.
=== Changes from ''Halo 3'' to ''Halo 4'' ===
*The beam fired is now colored purple.
*The Sentinel Beam can no longer be acquired, even after killing an Aggressor Sentinel.


==Tactics==
===Changes from ''Halo 2'' to ''Halo 2: Anniversary''===
===Campaign===
* 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>
*Ironically, it is a very good weapon against Sentinels in ''Halo 2'' and ''3'', maybe because the Forerunners never planned on it being used against the Sentinels themselves.
* 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}}
*On the ''Halo 2'''s campaign level Quarantine Zone, provide two of your Elite allies with Sentinel Beams, and have them board the riding seats of your [[Spectre]]. Since NPCs can't run out of ammo, they make excellent weaponry. Unfortunately, further in the mission, if you manage to keep both Elites and Spectre intact to that point, you have to leave the Spectre.
*In ''Halo 3'', the Sentinel Beam performs greatly against the Flood, as Infection Forms will burst if they are even slightly touched by the beam. Human Flood combat 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 due to their evolved forms; [[Stalker Form|Stalkers]] and [[Ranged Form]]s will die by the time the weapon overheats whereas the [[Tank Form]]s will require two long blasts to take down from the stomach.
*In ''Halo 3'', 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.


===Multiplayer===
=== Changes from ''Halo 2: Anniversary'' to ''Halo 5: Guardians'' ===
[[Image:Sentinel Warthog.jpg|thumb|Right|A player firing the weapon from the passenger seat of a Warthog. Note the single-handed wielding.]]
* Weapon can now be [[Smart Scope|Smart-Scoped]].
The Sentinel Beam is quite rare in multiplayer games, and if available, it can be a powerful weapon in the hands of the well-trained.
* 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.


====''Halo 2''====
=== Changes from ''Halo 5: Guardians'' to ''Halo Infinite'' ===
{{Main|Halo 2}}
* The Sentinel Beam runs on ammunition instead of a battery.
*This is best used in a small map like {{Levelname|Warlock}}. Also good for {{Levelname|Headlong}} as long as you have other more powerful weapons with you.
* The Sentinel Beam’s appearance is based more heavily on the [[Halo 2: Anniversary]] design.
*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.
* The Sentinel Beam pierces through multiple targets depending on the angle.
*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.
* 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.


====''Halo 3''====
==Trivia==
{{Main|Halo 3}}
{{linkbox|gallery=yes|gameplay=yes|gallerypage=Images of Sentinel Beam}}
*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.
*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.
*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.
*Flood Combat Forms are able to wield Sentinel Beams with one hand.
*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.
*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.
*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.
*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.
*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 exclusion from regular matchmaking is likely due to the weapon's power.
*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.


==Trivia==
==Gallery==
*The [[Focus Rifle]] in ''[[Halo: Reach]]'' and [[Automated Turret]] in ''Halo 3'' shoot similar to the Sentinel Beam.
===Concept art===
*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 overlooked and not deleted from the final product. It is not to be considered canon.
<gallery>
*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 used.
File:H2A-SentinelBeam-Concept.jpg|Concept art for the Sentinel beam in ''[[Halo 2: Anniversary]]''.
*In Halo: Combat Evolved/Custom Edition, the sentinel beam is able to be wielded through hacking, though there is no HUD.
File:H2A-SentinelBeam-Render-02.jpg|Unfinished renders of the Sentinel beam in ''Halo 2: Anniversary''.
'''Wikipedia:''' '''EI''' or '''Ei''' may stand for: [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Earth_Institute The Earth Institute], a collection of research centers at Columbia University[http://api3.smarterfox.com/wikisearch/search?q=ei&locale=en-US][http://www.oneriot.com/search?p=smarterfox&ssrc=smarterfox_popup_bubble&spid=8493c8f1-0b5b-4116-99fd-f0bcb0a3b602&q=ei][http://search.surfcanyon.com/search?f=nrl1&q=ei&partner=fastestfox][http://www.google.com/search?q=ei]
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>
 
==List of appearances==
*''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]'' {{1st}}
*''[[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]]''
 
==Notes==
{{Ref/Notes}}


==Sources==
==Sources==
<references/>
{{Ref/Sources}}


{{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.
  • Gold Sentinel Beam.

    Gold Sentinel Beam.

  • Safeguard Sentinel beam.

    Safeguard Sentinel beam.

  • Installation 07 Sentinel beam.

    Installation 07 Sentinel beam.

  • Arcane Sentinel Beam.

    Arcane Sentinel Beam.

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]

Main-Legendary.png See our gameplay information related to Sentinel beam on its gameplay page.
Main-Superintendent.png Browse more images in this article's gallery page.
  • 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]

  • Concept art for the Sentinel beam in Halo 2: Anniversary.

    Concept art for the Sentinel beam in Halo 2: Anniversary.

  • Unfinished renders of the Sentinel beam in Halo 2: Anniversary.

    Unfinished renders of the Sentinel beam in Halo 2: Anniversary.

  • Early concept art for the Safeguard Sentinel beam in Halo 5: Guardians.

    Early concept art for the Safeguard Sentinel beam in Halo 5: Guardians.

  • Concept art nearing the final design.

    Concept art nearing the final design.

  • Concept art of Sentinel beam handles.

    Concept art of Sentinel beam handles.

  • Rough concept art of the Halo 5: Guardians Sentinel beam.

    Rough concept art of the Halo 5: Guardians Sentinel beam.

  • Finalized concept art.

    Finalized concept art.

  • Concept sketches of the Sentinel beam in Halo Infinite.

    Concept sketches of the Sentinel beam in Halo Infinite.

  • Finalized concept art of the Halo Infinite Sentinel beam.

    Finalized concept art of the Halo Infinite Sentinel beam.

Screenshots[edit]

  • First-person of the Sentinel beam in Halo 2.

    First-person of the Sentinel beam in Halo 2.

  • First-person of the Sentinel beam in Halo 2 firing.

    First-person of the Sentinel beam in Halo 2 firing.

  • An in-game side view of a Sentinel beam in Halo 2.

    An in-game side view of a Sentinel beam in Halo 2.

  • Extracted view of the Sentinel beam in Halo 2.

    Extracted view of the Sentinel beam in Halo 2.

  • First-person of the Gold Sentinel beam in Halo 2.

    First-person of the Gold Sentinel beam in Halo 2.

  • First-person of the Gold Sentinel beam in Halo 2 firing.

    First-person of the Gold Sentinel beam in Halo 2 firing.

  • An in-game side view of a Gold Sentinel beam in Halo 2.

    An in-game side view of a Gold Sentinel beam in Halo 2.

  • Both Sentinel beam designs side by side in Halo 2.

    Both Sentinel beam designs side by side in Halo 2.

  • A Sentinel beam on Installation 00 in Halo 3.

    A Sentinel beam on Installation 00 in Halo 3.

  • First-person view of the Sentinel beam in the player's hands in Halo 3.

    First-person view of the Sentinel beam in the player's hands in Halo 3.

  • The Sentinel beam's targeting reticule in Halo 3.

    The Sentinel beam's targeting reticule in Halo 3.

  • A player firing the weapon from the passenger seat of a Warthog. Note the single-handed wielding.

    A player firing the weapon from the passenger seat of a Warthog. Note the single-handed wielding.

  • A Sentinel Aggressor firing its Sentinel beam in Halo 3.

    A Sentinel Aggressor firing its Sentinel beam in Halo 3.

  • Aggressor Sentinels firing their Sentinel beams in Halo 4 Spartan Ops.

    Aggressor Sentinels firing their Sentinel beams in Halo 4 Spartan Ops.

  • Sentinels firing Sentinel beams at a Promethean Knight in Halo 4 Spartan Ops.

    Sentinels firing Sentinel beams at a Promethean Knight in Halo 4 Spartan Ops.

  • First-person view of the Sentinel beam in Halo 2: Anniversary campaign.

    First-person view of the Sentinel beam in Halo 2: Anniversary campaign.

  • First-person view of the Sentinel beam in Halo 2: Anniversary campaign firing.

    First-person view of the Sentinel beam in Halo 2: Anniversary campaign firing.

  • An in-game side view of the Sentinel beam in Halo 2: Anniversary campaign.

    An in-game side view of the Sentinel beam in Halo 2: Anniversary campaign.

  • First-person view of the Gold Sentinel beam in Halo 2: Anniversary campaign.

    First-person view of the Gold Sentinel beam in Halo 2: Anniversary campaign.

  • First-person view of the Gold Sentinel beam in Halo 2: Anniversary campaign firing.

    First-person view of the Gold Sentinel beam in Halo 2: Anniversary campaign firing.

  • Both Sentinel beam designs side by side in Halo 2.

    Both Sentinel beam designs side by side in Halo 2.

  • The Sentinel beam being used on the Halo 2: Anniversary multiplayer map Warlord.

    The Sentinel beam being used on the Halo 2: Anniversary multiplayer map Warlord.

  • A Sangheili firing a Sentinel beam on Skyward.

    A Sangheili firing a Sentinel beam on Skyward.

  • First-person view of the Safeguard Sentinel beam in Halo 5: Guardians.

    First-person view of the Safeguard Sentinel beam in Halo 5: Guardians.

  • Smart scope with the Safeguard Sentinel beam.

    Smart scope with the Safeguard Sentinel beam.

  • The Safeguard Sentinel beam overheating.

    The Safeguard Sentinel beam overheating.

  • A Centurion-clad Spartan-IV firing the Safeguard Sentinel beam.

    A Centurion-clad Spartan-IV firing the Safeguard Sentinel beam.

  • A Centurion-clad Spartan-IV with an overheated Safeguard Sentinel beam on Torque.

    A Centurion-clad Spartan-IV with an overheated Safeguard Sentinel beam on Torque.

  • First-person view of the Sentinel beam in Halo Online.

    First-person view of the Sentinel beam in Halo Online.

  • First-person view of holding the Sentinel beam in Halo Infinite.

    First-person view of holding the Sentinel beam in Halo Infinite.

  • First-person view of the Sentinel beam being fired in Halo Infinite.

    First-person view of the Sentinel beam being fired in Halo Infinite.

  • A Firefall-clad Spartan holding the Sentinel beam in Halo Infinite.

    A Firefall-clad Spartan holding the Sentinel beam in Halo Infinite.

  • John-117 uses a Sentinel Beam to disintegrate a Banished Sangheili Mercenary in Halo Infinite.

    John-117 uses a Sentinel Beam to disintegrate a Banished Sangheili Mercenary in Halo Infinite.

  • The Sentinel beam being used to vaporize Unggoy Conscripts.

    The Sentinel beam being used to vaporize Unggoy Conscripts.

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

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The Forerunners

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Weaponry
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For a complete list, check out our Forerunner category.
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