View source for Armor customization (Halo 3)

{{Title|Armor customization (''Halo 3'')}}
{{Status|Gameplay}}
{{Disambig header|the armor customization in Halo 3|other games|armor customizations}}
[[File:H3 Snowbound Customisation.jpg|thumb|300px|A player using a mix of armor sets in ''Halo: The Master Chief Collection''.]]
'''Armor customization''' in ''[[Halo 3]]'' allows players to customize their [[SPARTAN programs|Spartan]] and [[Sangheili|Elite]] player model with a variety of armor pieces available to players. The feature is an improvement of ''Halo 2''{{'}}s player customization feature, and the first in the series to allow players to change the physical model of their character beyond species and colour selection.

==Overview==
[[File:H3 - Multiplayer concept art.jpg|thumb|250px|Artwork by Isaac Hannaford revealing the existence of Recon, long before the armor was officially announced.]]
Halo 3 features a number of armor selections for both Spartan and Elite player characters, unlocked primarily by accomplishing feats within the [[campaign]], [[Matchmaking]] and earning [[achievement]]s. It was first hinted at during the [[Halo 3 Beta|''Halo 3'' Beta]], with the limited-access featuring the ability for players to customise their armour colouration and [[Emblems|emblem]] - though no ability to customise armour permutations.{{Ref/Site|URL=http://halo.bungie.net/content.aspx?link=h3betaAppearance|Site=Bungie.net|Page=Halo 3 Beta: Identity and Appearance|D=24|M=01|Y=2021}}{{Ref/YouTube|Xy9bvuQ_eQE|dirtyShisno213|Halo 3 Beta Armor Customization}} Hidden in the Beta's files were strings referencing the in-development names for the multiplayer armours, with some [[Modding|modders]] able to figure out the existence of a potential armour customisation system ahead of the official release.{{Ref/Site|URL=https://flamesoffeenix.wordpress.com/2007/05/27/revealed-halo-3-new-custom-armour-types/|Site=7th Columnist|Page=*REVEALED* Halo 3 Custom New Armour Types|D=02|M=09|Y=2022}}

The system was initially unveiled in the July 2007 issue of GamePro, featuring a handful of images of the [[EVA-class Mjolnir|EVA]] and [[CQB-class Mjolnir|CQB]] armor sets alongside the standard Mark VI, though was noted by Bungie to not be the full set of armor available in game.{{Ref/Comic|GamePro|Issue=226|Detail=July 2007 ([https://www.retromags.com/files/file/4420-gamepro-issue-226-july-2007/ Archive])}} Bungie later officially announced the inclusion of Elite armor variants{{Ref/Site|D=01|M=6|Y=2020|URL=http://halo.bungie.net/News/content.aspx?cid=12531|Site=Bungie.net|Page=Bungie Weekly Update: 06/08/07}}, and on [[Bungie Day]] 2007 officially unveiled the CQB and EVA permutations' visuals and lore. A piece of art illustrated by [[Isaac Hannaford]] released at the same time additionally revealed the existence of the Recon armor, though the armor was not specifically called out by Bungie or given any attention until later.{{Ref/Site|D=01|M=6|Y=2020|URL=http://halo.bungie.net/News/content.aspx?cid=12616|Site=Bungie.net|Page=Way Beyond the Beta: Screenshots Galore}}{{Ref/Site|D=01|M=6|Y=2020|URL=http://halo.bungie.net/News/content.aspx?cid=12630|Site=Bungie.net|Page=7/7/07: Love, Bungie}}

In total, there are 17 armor sets included in ''Halo 3'', 12 of which for the SPARTAN-II character model and 5 for the Elite character model. These armor permutations are organized into three categories: ''Helmet'', ''Chest'' and ''Shoulder''. There are a total of 30 color options to use with these armor permutations. Certain armor permutations can only be unlocked by completing the game on certain difficulties, accumulating certain [[Gamerscore]], or by obtaining certain multiplayer-specific achievements. Some, such as [[RECON-class Mjolnir|Recon]] or the exclusive [[Bungie Armor]], have more esoteric unlock requirements, and can only be granted under certain conditions. Additionally, some Spartan armor sets only contain a helmet piece or chest piece, with no other associated armor selections.
{{Clear}}

==''Halo 3'' unlock requirements==
<center>''Note: The below unlock requirements only apply to the original ''Halo 3'' game on Xbox 360 or via Xbox One [[backward compatibility]]. In ''The Master Chief Collection'', all armors from Legacy ''Halo 3'' are unlocked by default for all players - including the Bungie armor.''</center>
{{Tabcontainer|
|title1=Spartan armor
|content1=
{{/Spartan}}
|title2=Elite armor
|content2=
{{/Elite}}
}}

==''Halo: The Master Chief Collection''==
[[File:HTMCC H3 NewArmour.jpg|thumb|250px|The Demo, Suture and Compass armors introduced into ''Halo 3''.]]
For the ''Halo 3'' multiplayer component of ''[[Halo: The Master Chief Collection]]'', all armor - including Recon and Bungie - was unlocked for all players for use by default. Between the game's launch in [[2014]] and the launch of ''Halo 3'' on PC in [[2020]], armor customization was limited to full sets with no mix-and-match customization, due to the difficulties of running multiple engines in the menu component. In this launch rendition, the armor sets were displayed in the menu as static renders, with the armors using full armor sets or - in the case of armors with no associated armor for chest, helmet or shoulder elements - Mark VI to supplement missing elements. As such, using a helmet such as Mark V or ODST required the usage of all Mark VI for everything else. Using the Katana chest, however, would use Hayabusa for all other armor elements. Additionally and for the first time, ''The Master Chief Collection'' allowed players to use the Bungie Armor (now renamed "Flaming Head"), and would display the characteristic flames and EOD chest as it did in the original game, though with enforced Mark VI shoulders and helmet. 

Following the launch of ''Halo 3'' on PC and start of [[Season 2: Spark]], this system was updated to display ''Halo 3'' character models in [[Wikipedia:Unreal Engine 4|Unreal Engine 4]], with full customization in-game as it was at the launch of ''Halo 3''. In this change, the Bungie Armor chest was renamed "Legacy", and the Security armour set was given a chest armour piece; in launch ''Halo 3'', equipping the Security helmet additionally outfitted the chest with a small antenna. Following the Season 2 update, the antenna is now considered a separate chest, and can be used regardless of helmet.

With the launch of [[Series 3: Recon]], ''Halo 3'' customisation was updated with the inclusion of [[Skins (Halo 3)|skins]] for application on a player's weapon and several new visor colour options for use with all helmets. The full list of ''Halo 3'' skins can be viewed [[Skins (Halo 3)|here]].

In the [[Season 4]] December update, ''Halo 3'' was expanded to include new techsuit customization, with the players being able to change it between a new ''Halo 3'' techsuit and ''[[Halo 4]]'' techsuit (both colored and full black).

[[Series 5: Anvil]] included twelve new armor permutations for ''Halo 3'', [[Armor customization (Halo Online)|originally created]] for the cancelled ''[[Halo Online]]''. Additionally, included new forearm and leg customisation, allowing players to choose between the new twelve armors or the default Mark VI. These armors can be toggled off for a more classic experience, with any players using ''Halo Online'' armor instead displaying as default Mark VI.{{Ref/Site|D=01|M=6|Y=2020|URL=https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/forums/243780d3b80b4bb6ac7917a8942286db/topics/mcc-development-flighting-updates/3e3252e1-297a-4590-a7ab-67c133b3d37d/posts?page=4#post63|Site=Halo Waypoint Forums|Page=MCC Development & Flighting Updates|Detail=Page 4, post 63|Quote=The team is currently working on a game update that expands the existing skin toggle in the settings menu to also apply to armor. If you prefer a true classic experience, you’ll be able to flip the “New Skins in Halo 3” toggle to “disabled” and you won’t see any new cosmetic items (weapon skins, vehicle skins, or armor) when you’re playing Halo 3. If you decide to turn off cosmetics, any players in your game who are wearing new armor will appear as default Mark VI.}}

[[Series 6: Raven]] included several new armor permutations, including six ''Halo Online'' armor permutations and the four ODST armors used by [[Fireteam Raven]] in the [[Halo: Fireteam Raven|namesake game]]. It also added a "Back Accessory" option, allowing players to choose between six new back packages (four being based on ''Halo: Fireteam Raven''), three new techsuit options, and fifteen new animated visor colors.

[[Series 7: Elite]] saw the inclusion of seven new ''Halo Online'' armor permutations for the ''Elites''. Additionally, it included new forearm and leg customization, allowing players to choose between the new seven harnesses or the default Combat harness. The season also added seven new techsuit options. [[Series 8: Mythic]] included new armor, visors and back accessories alongside skins for weapons and vehicles.{{Ref/Site|Id=Update2708|URL=https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/forums/243780d3b80b4bb6ac7917a8942286db/topics/mcc-development-flighting-updates/3e3252e1-297a-4590-a7ab-67c133b3d37d/posts?page=5#post100|Site=Halo Waypoint Forums|Page=MCC Development & Flighting Updates Page 5|Detail=Post 100|D=27|M=8|Y=2021}}

For Halo's 20th Anniversary in 2021, a new armor permutation was added: the [[MIRAGE-class Mjolnir|Mirage armor]], based on the [[Semi-Powered Infiltration armor]] used by [[SPARTAN-III program|SPARTAN-IIIs]].{{Ref/Site|D=03|M=11|Y=2021|URL=https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/news/celebrating-20-years-of-halo-in-the-master-chief-collection|Site=Halo Waypoint|Page=Celebrating 20 Years of Halo in The Master Chief Collection}} In mid-[[2022]], the "Bean-117" backpack option was added as a free unlock for all players as part of ''Halo''{{'}}s crossover with ''[[Fall Guys (crossover)|Fall Guys]]''.{{Ref/X|Halo|1542206528706461696|Halo|Quote=Bean-117 reporting for duty! Celebrate the heroic partnership of Halo and Fall Guys with this fun Halo 3 back attachment in MCC. Log in anytime to find it in your inventory!|D=17|M=08|Y=2025}}

{{Tabcontainer|
|title1=Spartan armor
|content1=
{{/MCC}}
|title2=Mythic armor
|content2=
Non canonical armor sets that were introduced with [[Series 8: Mythic]].
{{/MCCMythic}}
|title3=Elite harness
|content3=
{{/MCCElite}}
|title4=Visors
|content4=
Visor customisation was introduced to ''Halo 3'' in [[Series 3: Recon]]. A number of visor colours can be unlocked for {{SeasonPoint|Season Points}}, though like other ''Halo 3'' skins, they can be toggled off in the menu. [[Series 6: Raven]] introduced more visors in the form of animated visors.
{{/Visors}}
|title5=Back accessories
|content5=
Back Accessory customisation was introduced to ''Halo 3'' in [[Series 6: Raven]].
{{/Back}}
|title6=Techsuit
|content6=
[[File:HTMCC H3 S5Techsuits.png|thumb|250px|A comparison of all Season 5 techsuit variants. From left to right: the original ''Halo 3'' techsuit, the new GEN1 techsuit, the GEN2 techsuit and the GEN2 Tinted techsuit.]]
[[File:HTMCC H3 TechsuitHandComparison.jpg|thumb|250px|A comparison of the GEN1 and GEN2 techsuit hand models before (top) and after (bottom) the April 2022 update.]]
Techsuit customization was introduced to ''Halo 3'' in the [[Series 4: Reclaimer#December 16 patch notes (Version 1.2028.0.0)|December 2020 update]]. [[Series 6: Raven]] introduced colored techsuit variants that do not inherit the player's primary color. In the April 2022 update, the hands for each techsuit received updated models and textures.{{Ref/Site
|URL= https://support.halowaypoint.com/hc/en-us/articles/5178835359380-Halo-The-Master-Chief-Collection-MCC-Update-April-2022|D=15|M=5|Y=2026|Site=Halo Support|Page=Halo: The Master Chief Collection Update - April 2022}} Following this update, the GEN1 variant uses the hands from ''Halo 3's'' original techsuit, while the GEN2 variants use [[Halo Online]]'s hand models.
*'''GEN1:''' ''Integral to the entire Mjolnir system, the techsuit encases the wearer's body and provides attachment points for the armor plating above it.''
**This techsuit replaces the standard ''Halo 3'' techsuit available in the original game and pre-update ''MCC''. It is noticeably more detailed than the original, and is much more form-fitting.
**By Season 6, if the player has the toggle option for ''Halo 3'' skins off, the Spartan model will be replaced with the original ''Halo 3'' Spartan model.
**Unlocked by default.
*'''GEN2 Tinted Smoke''' ''Hazardous for your enemy's health.''
**A coloured variant of of the GEN2 undersuit, which inherits a darker shade of the player's primary colour.
**[[Series 7: Elite|Series 7]] [[Challenges/Halo: The Master Chief Collection|Challenge]]: Nightcrawler
*'''GEN2:''' ''Though similar to earlier systems, the GEN2 techsuit is a bespoke form-fitted armored polymuscle exoskeleton.''
**The standard GEN2 techsuit introduced in ''Halo 4'', ''Online'' and ''Halo 5: Guardians''. This undersuit is only available in black.
**Unlocked by default.
*'''GEN2 Tinted:''' ''A variant of the standard GEN2 techsuit with additional chromatic customization options.''
**A coloured variant of of the GEN2 undersuit, which inherits the player's primary colour.
**Unlocked by default.
*'''GEN2 Azure:''' ''The sky is not the limit.''
**GEN2 techsuit with blue coloration.
**[[Series 6: Raven|Series 6]] [[Challenges/Halo: The Master Chief Collection|Challenge]]: Double Up
*'''GEN2 Gunmetal:''' ''Never one for subtlety.''
**GEN2 techsuit with grey coloration.
**[[Series 6: Raven|Series 6]], Tier 99 ({{SeasonPoint|1}})
*'''GEN2 Maroon:''' ''A pleasant color for a gruesome business.''
**GEN2 techsuit with dark red coloration.
**[[Series 6: Raven|Series 6]], Tier 95 ({{SeasonPoint|1}})
*'''GEN2 Umber:''' ''We don't know what color it actually is either.''
**GEN2 techsuit with yellow coloration.
**[[Series 7: Elite|Series 7]], Tier 9 ({{SeasonPoint|1}})
*'''GEN2 Army Green:''' ''They must love the smell.''
**GEN2 techsuit with dark green coloration.
**[[Series 7: Elite|Series 7]], Tier 22 ({{SeasonPoint|1}})
*'''GEN2 Burnt Ground:''' ''After the fire is when you see the most growth.''
**GEN2 techsuit with brown coloration.
**[[Series 7: Elite|Series 7]], [[The Exchange]] ({{SeasonPoint|4}})
*'''GEN2 Cold Mud:''' ''Perfect for hiding from alien hunters.''
**GEN2 techsuit with green coloration.
**[[Series 7: Elite|Series 7]], [[The Exchange]] ({{SeasonPoint|4}})
*'''GEN2 Purplex:''' ''Like purple, but with an extra helping of fancy.''
**GEN2 techsuit with purple coloration.
**[[Series 7: Elite|Series 7]], [[The Exchange]] ({{SeasonPoint|4}})
*'''GEN2 Slate Grey:''' ''Cold, capable, and calculated.''
**GEN2 techsuit with light grey coloration.
**[[Series 7: Elite|Series 7]], Tier 98 ({{SeasonPoint|1}})
*'''GEN2 Chainmail:''' ''What's old is new again.''
**[[Series 8: Mythic|Series 8]], Tier 3 ({{SeasonPoint|1}})
*'''GEN2 Dragonscale:''' ''The finest scales from the greatest wyrms.''
**[[Series 8: Mythic|Series 8]], Tier 39 ({{SeasonPoint|1}})
*'''GEN2 Latticeweave:''' ''A pattern of strength.''
**[[Series 8: Mythic|Series 8]], Tier 90 ({{SeasonPoint|1}})
<gallery>
File:HTMCC H3 Azure Techsuit Icon.png|Azure techsuit.
File:HTMCC H3 Gunmetal Techsuit Icon.png|Gunmetal techsuit.
File:HTMCC H3 Maroon Techsuit Icon.png|Maroon techsuit.
File:HTMCC H3 TintedSmoke Techsuit.png|Tinted Smoke techsuit.
File:HTMCC H3 Umber Techsuit Icon.png|Umber techsuit.
File:HTMCC H3 ArmyGreen Techsuit Chest Icon.png|Army Green techsuit.
File:HTMCC H3 BurntGround Techsuit Icon.png|Burnt Ground techsuit.
File:HTMCC H3ColdMud Techsuit Icon.png|Cold Mud techsuit.
File:HTMCC H3 Purplex Techsuit Icon.png|Purplex techsuit.
File:HTMCC H3 SlateGrey Techsuit Icon.png|Slate Grey techsuit.
File:HTMCC H3 Chainmail Techsuit Icon.png|Chainmail techsuit.
File:HTMCC H3 Dragonscale Techsuit Icon.png|Dragonscale techsuit.
File:HTMCC H3 Latticeweave Techsuit.png|Latticeweave techsuit.
</gallery>
|title7=Pose
|content7=
Pose customisation options were introduced to ''Halo 3'' in [[Series 8: Mythic]].
{{/Pose}}
}}

==Trivia==
===Mistakes===
*In reusing tooltips from ''Halo: Reach's'' appearance menu, the updated customization menu for ''Halo 3'' in ''Halo: The Master Chief Collection'' now erroneously states the choice between a Spartan and Elite player model is only applicable to appropriate, species-specific gametypes, despite the option being available regardless of gametype.
**Additionally, when hovering over the menu element to change Elite armor permutations, the game erroneously states the option is to change Spartan armor. This would be fixed with the release of ''[[Halo 3: ODST]]'' on PC.
===Miscellaneous===
*In early [[Development of Halo 3|development]] for ''Halo 3'', the ability to play as Elites in multiplayer had some canonical justification. Early text strings indicate that ''"Spartans have been authorized to assume Elite skins in combat scenarios"''.{{Ref/Twitter|vengeful_vadam|1370418684066414593|The Vengeful 'Vadam|D=22|M=05|Y=2022}}
*A certain conceptual helmet seen in ''[[The Art of Halo 3]]'' greatly resembles the [[AIR ASSAULT-class Mjolnir]] set that'd later appear in ''[[Halo: Reach]]''.
*In ''Halo 3'', the neck of an Elite (regardless what armor permutation used) is completely immune to any form of damage except for a shot from an overcharged [[Type-25 Directed Energy Pistol|Plasma Pistol]]. In addition, the projectile will simply pass through the neck, as though the neck wasn't there, without a blood spatter. This is because both Elites and Spartans have similar models.
*Many people speculate that hitboxes of the Spartans and Elites are shared but this is not true. While Bungie has officially commented on the hitboxes, they regard the size of the hitbox not the arrangement. Hitboxes are an unseen registry mechanic, which fall into the player models. They determine whether or not something has collided with the player. If an Elite is facing profile (sideways), and a shot is fired underneath the head (to where a Spartan's chest would be), the game will not register a hit. The head "hitbox" is forward more on Elites than it is Spartans.

== Gallery ==
===Concept art===
<gallery>
File:H3_ArmourSets_Concept.jpg|Four conceptual armor sets from ''[[The Art of Halo 3]]''. The Scout helmet is visible alongside an early depiction of the Air Assault helmet, later used in ''Reach''.
File:H3_EliteCommando_Concept.jpg|Concept art of a Sangheili armor permutation bearing resemblance to the [[Commando harness]].
File:H3 MjolnirMkVArmor Concept.jpg|Concept art for the Mark V armor in ''Halo 3'', which was later reused for the design of [[MENACHITE-class Mjolnir|Menachite]] in ''[[Halo Infinite]]''.
File:H3_MPSpartan_ArmourConcept_8.jpg|''Halo 3'' concept art for an unused armor set.
File:H3_MPSpartan_ArmourConcept_11.jpg|''Halo 3'' concept art for an unused armor set.
File:H3_MPSpartan_ArmourConcept_12.jpg|''Halo 3'' concept art for an unused armor set.
File:HTMCC Belos Concept.jpg|''Halo: The Master Chief Collection'' Season 8 concept art for the [[Belos armor|Belos]] armours.
File:HTMCC Blackguard Concept.jpg|''Halo: The Master Chief Collection'' Season 8 concept art for the [[Blackguard armor|Blackguard]] armours.
File:HTMCC Drengr Concept.jpg|''Halo: The Master Chief Collection'' Season 8 concept art for the [[Drengr armor|Drengr]] armours.
</gallery>

===Menu images===
<gallery>
File:H3 - Armor permutation menu (Spartans - Xbox 360).png|The armor permutation menu for Spartans in the Xbox 360 edition of ''Halo 3''.
File:H3 - Armor permutation menu (Sangheili - Xbox 360).png|The armor permutation menu for Sangheili in the Xbox 360 edition of ''Halo 3''.
File:TMCC - Armor permutation menu (Pre-ODST patch).png|The armor permutation menu for ''Halo 3'' on ''The Master Chief Collection'' prior to ''Halo 3: ODST's'' PC launch, featuring an erroneous tooltip, and a different pose for the player's Spartan.
File:H3-MCCH3colors.jpg|Color choices for ''Halo 3'' in ''Halo: The Master Chief Collection'', following ''Halo 3: ODST's'' launch, with an updated character pose.
File:HTMCC-H3-Elitecustomization.png|Elite customization in ''Halo: The Master Chief Collection''.
</gallery>

===Screenshots===
<gallery>
File:H3 Elite armor permutations.jpg|All the Elite permutations in ''Halo 3''.
File:Halo3-Forge-SangheiliZealot.jpg|A recreation of a [[Sangheili Zealot]] on [[Valhalla]] using the armor customization system.
File:FloodGateEESpecialOppsEliteArmour13.jpg|The glitched "multi-head" armor from [[H3:Floodgate|Floodgate]].
File:H3-FlightingS&B.jpg|The Sword and Board back accessory featured two machetes during [[MCC Insider Program|flighting]] for Season 6: Raven.
File:H3-S&B.png|The Sword and Board back accessory featuring only one machete in Season 6: Raven.
File:H3 ColdStorage SniperSpartan.jpg|A Spartan on [[Cold Storage]] showcasing a mix of ''Halo 3'', ''Halo Online'' and ''Fireteam Raven''-derived armours.
</gallery>

===Miscellaneous===
<gallery>
File:Armor Permutations.png|All of the Spartan permutations in ''Halo 3''. Note: If a part of the armor set doesn't exist, it has been substituted with its Mark VI counterpart.
</gallery>

== Sources ==
{{Ref/Sources}}

{{Armor/Permutation|H3}}
{{Customization}}
[[Category:Halo 3 multiplayer armor permutations| ]]
[[Category:Customization]]