Black Boxes

There is more information available on this subject at Black Boxes on the English Wikipedia.

The following is a verbatim transcription of an official document for archival reasons. As the original content is transcribed word-for-word, any possible discrepancies and/or errors are included.

For the AI construct, see Black-Box.

In Halo Wars, Black Boxes are collectibles in the campaign that when collected, add new events in the Halo Wars Timeline. They look like black boxes with yellow stripes on them, and can be picked up by any unit. When the player collects one, they can just resign straight away and will still have it. Aerial units are the easiest and most direct way to collect them.

In aviation, the term "black box" refers to both flight recorders on commercial and other aircraft. The flight data recorder is responsible for recording flight parameters and the cockpit voice recorder is responsible for recording all communications in the cockpit of an aircraft in flight. The phrase has become popularized by modern media reporting on aircraft crashes.

Achievements Linked

• Halo Academic is an achievement that is unlocked when you unlock 20 timeline events.
• Halo Historian is an achievement that is unlocked when you unlock all timeline events.

Locations

Mission 1: Alpha Base

Head back to the last bridge you crossed before reaching Alpha Base's gate and peek underneath. The crate is below the arch, next to an overturned Warthog. You can drive down the small ramp to the left to reach it.

A map of Alpha base, showing the location of the black box

Content

4 February 2531

The UNSC support ship Spirit of Fire enters orbit

around Harvest. While Admiral Cole's fleet is

engaged elsewhere, Spirit is sent to Harvest to

investigate ongoing Covenant activity in the

system and look for survivors from the missing

UNSC Destroyer The Prophecy [previously

dispatched to Harvest to investigate the same

activity]. Commanded by Captain Cutter, Spirit has

been reassigned by FLEETCOM. ONI has placed

Professor Anders onboard to lead the investigation.

Mission 2: Relic Approach

This black box is located northwest of the second base. There is an area blocked off by an energy shield. Destroy the power source with some infantry, and both the crate and a good chunk of supplies are yours for the taking.

A map of Relic Approach, showing the location of the black box

Content

7 February 2531

Spirit of Fire holds service for the crew of the

Prophecy. The crew roster is read despite

objections from ONI personnel. The Prophecy was

lost with all hands on a first expedition to Harvest

to investigate the Covenant interest in the artifact

found near the polar region.

Mission 3: Relic Interior

This black box is located right from the beginning of the mission. Simply turn your Grizzly tanks around and head in the opposite direction of the objective arrow. You'll discover a separate pathway, winding to the northwest. At the very end, near a crashed Pelican, is the crate, with an Elite and a Jackal squad.

A map of Relic Interior, showing the location of the black box

Content

From the Office of the High Prophet of Regret

Return at fastest possible speed to the world they

know as Harvest. We must learn the secrets inside

the holy relic before the Great Journey can

continue. The humans must not be allowed to enter

the artifact, we will do whatever we must to deny

them access. All must be resolute in this task, or

face punishment.

Mission 4: Arcadia City

Scroll to the western most base. Directly north of it is a column supporting a skyway. At the base of this column, on top of a few stairs, is the crate you seek.

A map of Arcadia City, showing the location of the black box

Content

20 July 2520

Captain Alexander, the last civilian captain of Spirit

of Fire, retires from active duty at the conclusion of

the Verent mission. The ship is requisitioned by the

UNSC and scheduled for refit.

Mission 5: Arcadia Outskirts

In the middle of the map, almost halfway between your original base and the northern Covenant base, there is an abandoned reactor that you can take over for an extra tech level. The crate is on the grass immediately to the west of this platform, near some ferns and an infantry cover spot.

A map of Arcadia Outskirts, showing the location of the black box

Content

1 September 2520

Spirit of Fire completes an extensive refit at the

Reach orbital shipyards before entering active

military duty as a ground support vessel, initially

detailed with providing ground support for

Operation: TREBUCHET.

Mission 6: Dome of Light

Wait until you place the third Rhino across the broken bridge using the "transport" power. Before leaving the area to concentrate on other tasks, check the western shadows for a short separate path. The crate is there.

A map of Dome of light, showing the location of the black box

Content

From the Office of the High Prophet of Regret

Arbiter, you are the Hand of the Covenant - my

hand. You know what must be done. Return to the

surface and capture the human female - the one

who managed to make fools of us on Harvest. She

is the key to unlocking the secrets of the Ancients.

Mission 7: Scarab

At the very top of the map, and as far east from the Scarab as possible, is a small area surrounded by cliffs. Look for the bountiful gathering of shiny blue supplies and you'll find the crate among them.