Editing Sangheili/Gameplay

{{Status|Gameplay}}
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[[File:Elite Comparisons2.jpg|thumb|250px|Different incarnations of the Elites as they appear in the main ''Halo'' games.]]

'''Elites''' serve as enemies in most of the ''Halo'' games, and as allies in ''[[Halo 3]]''. Depending on the rank and role of the player, Elite warriors can serve as the most consistently challenging opponents encountered in the games, wielding varied weapons and using their resilience and speed to outmaneuver and overwhelm the player. Conversely, they can act as very reliable allies, arguably more so than the [[UNSC Marine Corps/Gameplay|Marines]], as the additional energy shielding in their armor and increased physical capabilities can grant them additional benefits that a normal human soldier otherwise lacks.

==Gameplay==
[[File:Zealot attack.jpg|thumb|300px|A Zealot directs a Major in combat.]]
Nearly all Elites across all games are equipped with [[Sangheili personal energy shield|rechargable energy shields]], allowing them to mitigate the damage of kinetic weapons. As their shields become stronger both with rank and with difficulty settings, it is imperative to carry a balanced arsenal whenever one expects Elites in a level, so that [[Plasma weaponry|plasma]] weapons can be used on shields, and Kinetic weapons can be used on their bodies. The [[Noob Combo]] is particularly effective at this. Explosive weapons can be effective in stripping an Elite's shields, or even outright kill them in some cases, but Elites are very agile, and will likely dodge roll out of the way of explosives. However, this behavior can be exploited by predicting where an Elite will dodge. While using a sticky grenade can be an effective way to slay an Elite, if this is done from too close by, the alien can try to charge the player, seeking to engulf them both in the blast.

On the offensive side, Elites can be encountered wielding nearly all the basic weapons available to their faction, depending on the game they are in. They are deadly warriors that can effectively use their weapons both at long and short ranges, firing in long, precise bursts and throwing [[Plasma Grenade (gameplay)|Plasma Grenades]] over long arches. When an Elite is close by, it will try to strike the player in melee. Depending on the games, the rank, and the difficulty settings, these attacks may kill even a fully healthy and shielded player. Whenever a player stays close to an Elite for too long, or when its shields are depleted, it may decide to charge at them. A charging Elite will stop at nothing until it has delivered at least one melee attack, at which point it will return to its normal combat routines. Like with dodges though, an Elite will be exposed if its melee attack is dodged, and sometimes the player can even use their momentum to circle around them and strike their back. Elites are also the main vehicle drivers in the games they appear as enemies. They are just as aggressive and evasive when piloting a vehicle, and their energy shielding is extended to their rides, as is the player's. Elites on foot will also try to board the player's vehicle (starting with ''Halo 2'') so one should be careful of moving slowly while close to them.

Elites are employed as leader units in all the games they appear in. Most of the times a group of enemies is encountered, there will be at least one Elite at their lead. This makes them priority targets, but depending on how an encounter is structured, it may be beneficial to take down an Elite's troops before taking him on. Taking down all the Elites in a group will also cause the morale of their troops to break, especially causing [[Unggoy/Gameplay|Grunt]]s to break rank and flee temporarily. The death of a high ranking Elite can also prompt its lower ranked fellows to charge at the player. Elite ranks can be distinguished by the coloration and shape of their armor. In general, the ranking goes blue->red->white->gold, with some games having different intermediate colors or specialist ranks with different colors.
[[File:H2A-Brutes vs Elites.jpg|thumb|300px|Elite Honor Guards fight against Brutes.]]

===Specific strategies===
====Sword Wielders====
In all games, some of the most fearsome Elites are the ones that wield Energy Swords. [[Elite Zealot (gameplay)|Zealot]]s, [[Elite Ultra (gameplay)|Ultra]]s and equivalent ranks can be encountered with these weapons, and either holding them outright, or pulling them out as they charge at the player. In most games, a single strike from one of these foes is enough to kill the player on any difficulty, and swordsmen continue their melee attack by slashing both at their front and back. While dangerous for the player, these foes spell certain doom for Marines, who are not reactive or agile enough to dodge or run away from them. Still, a gutsy player can apply the same tactics as normal Elite melee attacks, dodging at the last minute or interrupting with their own, quicker melee attacks. Still, detecting and taking down the charging Elite before it reaches melee range is a preferable solution.

====Zealots (CE and 2)====
In ''Halo CE'', Zealots have a different behavior than other Elites. They will never rage, and instead move very quickly, seamlessly alternating weapon fire and melee attacks with little delay. Conversely, in ''Halo 2'', Zealots are only encountered in an enraged status wielding an Energy Sword, and will relentlessly run at the player, although their shields are only as powerful as a [[Elite Major (gameplay)|Major]].

====Stealth Elites====
Elites are the primary employers of [[Active camouflage]]. This ability is usually limited to specific ranks, being the [[Elite Stealth (gameplay)|Stealth]], [[Elite Spec Ops (gameplay)|Spec Ops]] or Zealot. These enemies are fully concealed from sight, only noticeable due to a shimmering silhouette. They will usually lay in wait or maneuver around their allies in order to catch the player by surprise. While their invisiblity makes them tricky foes, Invisible Elites usually only wield the most basic weapons or the [[Energy sword]], limiting their effective range. The invisibility does not mask their vocalizations nor hide them from [[Motion tracker]]s. In addition, their shields tend to be low or null, and as such they must rely on their stealth to avoid defeat.
[[File:HR BeachFight2.jpg|thumb|300px|An Ultra leads its troops against [[Noble Team]].]]

====Halo: Reach====
Elites in ''Halo: Reach'' received as significant boost in the variety of their animations and behaviors. On top of having numerous, fast melee attacks that can even cover their backs, their ranks increase their health and shielding constantly. The gold-clad [[Sangheili General]]s can often be encountered with [[Fuel Rod Gun (gameplay)|Fuel Rod Gun]]s, [[Plasma Launcher (gameplay)|Plasma Launcher]]s and even [[Plasma cannon (gameplay)|Plasma cannon]]s, and high-ranking Elites can choose to throw grenades using a quicker animation, mixing the explosives within bursts from their weapons. Elites will also use [[Armor lock/Gameplay|Armor Lock]] to save themselves from explosions and splatters. The returned [[Elite Ranger (gameplay)|Rangers]] use their [[Jetpack]]s to leap between elevations, and while their shields aren't better than a Major's, they can be more often encountered with specialist weapons like the [[Needle Rifle (gameplay)|Needle Rifle]] and [[Focus Rifle (gameplay)|Focus Rifle]]. Elites in this game can be [[Assassination|Assassinated]]. Most of these considerations can also be applied to ''Halo 4'' and ''Halo 5''.

====Halo Infinite====
In ''Halo Infinite'', low ranking Elites are near always encountered wielding the [[Pulse Carbine (gameplay)|Pulse Carbine]], but will scavenge the battlefield for better weapons. The higher ranking Elites instead already wield powerful weapons, and when their sizeable shielding is depleted, they will engage Active camouflage in addition to pulling out an Energy sword, which they will alternate with their primary firearm to maintain the pressure at all ranges. Conversely, Energy swords are less lethal against the player, although Elites will attack faster and even leap at the player from a distance. While in patrol or at rest, Elites do not have their shields turned on. They will activate them very quickly as soon as they sense danger.

====Allied Elites====
Encountered in ''Halo 2'' and ''Halo 3'', Elites can be a significant improvement over Marines, especially in the former, as the latter simplified their AI. Due to sharing all of the player's animations, Elites can be armed with weapons Marines cannot use, like the Energy Sword or [[Brute Shot (gameplay)|Brute Shot]]. The resilience granted by their shields can be a significant boon, although they shouldn't be relied upon too closely.

==Changes==
Due to the constant upgrading of the ''Halo'' series from the Macintosh to the [[Xbox]] to the [[Xbox 360]] below shows a list of changes to the Elite species from each ''Halo'' game.
===[[Halo E3 2000 Trailer]] to ''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]''===
*Elite ranks include [[Elite (NPC)|Minor]], [[Elite Major (gameplay)|Major]], [[Elite Zealot (gameplay)|Zealot]] and [[Elite Spec Ops (gameplay)|Spec Ops]]
*The more conventional jaw in the trailer was separated into two mandibles.
*They have wider waists.
*Their legs are less bulky.
*Their eyes have been moved more to the sides of their heads.
*Their shield gauntlets have been replaced with personal energy shields.
[[File:H3 BarrierTowerBattle.png|thumb|300px|[[Master Chief]] fights alongside several Elites]]

===Changes from ''Halo: Combat Evolved'' to ''[[Halo 2]]''===
*Elite ranks include [[Elite (NPC)|Minor]], [[Elite Major (gameplay)|Major]], [[Elite Ultra (gameplay)|Ultra]], [[Elite Zealot (gameplay)|Zealot]], [[Elite Ranger (gameplay)|Ranger]], [[Elite Spec Ops (gameplay)|Spec Ops]], [[Elite Stealth (gameplay)|Stealth]] and [[Elite Honor Guard (gameplay)|Honor Guard]] and [[Councilor]]. The [[Arbiter]] also appears.
*Elite are available to play as. The [[Arbiter (player character)|Arbiter]] in single player, and as a regular Elite in multiplayer.
*Elite are hunched over more to facilitate multiplayer use.
*Elite allies are encountered.
*The Elites speak English instead of their native tongue.
*Zealot Elite ranked enemies are now only encountered on [[Legendary]] difficulty, rather than all difficulties.
*Stealth Elite now have gray colored armor, rather than light blue, and also have a Minor (gray) and Major (brown) ranking system. They can also be detected by the motion tracker when invisible. Additionally, they sport energy shields which was absent from Halo: Combat Evolved.
*Their melee attacks do more damage, and can kill in one hit on the [[Normal]] difficulty or above in the campaign.
*Elites fire in much longer bursts in ''Halo 2'', firing many plasma rifle rounds per burst, compared to just 3 or 4 shots per burst in ''Halo: Combat Evolved''.
*Rangers and Ultras are introduced.
*Gain an animation to appear startled upon seeing the [[John-117|Master Chief]].
*Mandibles and facial features are more defined.
*Gain the ability to hijack vehicles.
*Elites no longer have the occasional "spade" helmet and no longer wear a [[Forerunner]] symbol on their backs, in campaign. However, they can be present using the [[emblem]] feature for multiplayer.
*Elites can now be seen dual-wielding weapons.
*Elites now have secondary colors in both campaign and multiplayer.
*Regulars now wield [[Energy Sword]]s as well, instead of just the [[Zealot]]s.
*Elites gain an animation for when they pull out an Energy Sword that makes them roar, though they don't make the sound in Multiplayer.
*Elites are somewhat more vulnerable without their shielding, and most Elite classes can only survive as much damage as a basic Grunt or Jackal]] after their shields are disabled (this is in contrast to ''Halo: CE'', where Elites had more than twice as much health as a Grunt or Jackal even without their shields). The exceptions are the Stealth (who have about twice as much health as standard Elite classes at the cost of having no shields) and the Ultras (who have about 3 times as much health as a standard Elite).

===Changes from ''Halo 2'' to ''Halo 3''===
*Elites are only encountered as allies. Elite ranks include [[Elite (NPC)|Minor]], [[Elite Major (gameplay)|Major]] and [[Elite Spec Ops (gameplay)|Spec Ops]]. The [[Arbiter (NPC)|Arbiter]] returns as an ally and as the second player for Co-op, alongside [[N'tho 'Sraom]] and [[Usze 'Taham]] as the 3rd and 4th characters.
*Darker skin and eyebrow ridges, although no hair on ridges. Has a shiny, "scaly", texture on the neck.
*They have a 'bulkier' appearance.
*Varying eye color between some individuals, mostly orange.
*Wider variety of armors to choose from in multiplayer.
*Instead of firing from cover or flanking, Elites now overwhelmingly charge straight at the enemy while firing, engaging in melee combat once they get close enough. This occurs regardless of the Elite's current weapon, the weaponry of the enemy, or even the type of enemy (An Elite armed with a [[Brute Shot]] or [[Fuel Rod Cannon]] will charge forward recklessly to engage a [[Hunter]] in melee). This also results in a high chance on team killing among them.
*SpecOps Elites, even more so with the [[Catch]] skull on, toss Plasma Grenades with reckless abandon, and many players have reported to be "team stuck" by the Elites.
*As with other Covenant races, the Elites have received minor aesthetic changes, mostly in their armor. In ''Halo: CE'' and ''Halo 2'', the pauldrons on the armor resembled a more pronounced version of the [[MJOLNIR]] pauldrons, where as in ''[[Halo 3]]'' the pauldrons are much thicker and appear overlapped. The "Combat" helmet also has shorter side fins, and more spikes added to the back. The "fins" on the gauntlets have also been removed, as well as the orange crystals on the arms and legs, and their leg armor flares out at the bottom instead of being tight, revealing what appears to be the heel of its foot. However, this leads to clipping, as ''Halo 3'' largely uses old ''Halo 2'' animations.
*Minors]] and Majors have varied armor. This meaning that a Minor may be light blue, and another may be dark blue. Same goes for the Majors (with lighter and darker reds).
*All Elite armor has Forerunner glyphs, as well as multiple Marks of Shame adorning the body and shoulders.
*The roaring animation for pulling out the sword is changed so that it only appears when lunging at an opponent while crouched. The similarly neglected berserk animation for NPC Elites only appears when they spot an enemy while jumping over a toppled crate.
*All can be seen, pulling out Energy Swords, including Minors and Majors.
*Spec Ops can be seen wearing [[Assault Harness]]es in ''[[Floodgate]]''. All other Elites in ''Halo 3'' wear the familiar standard [[Combat Harness]]es. The corpses of dead Ultra Elites in Floodgate can be found wearing Combat and Assault armor and some of them have Rtas Vadam's face. The corpses of dead Elites seen in ''Halo 3: ODST'' can be found wearing a variety of different armor permutations.
*When the [[Pod infector|Infection Form]] infects a living Elite, he will disable his energy shield features before submitting to the Flood, making a sound like a Gravity Hammer hits when the infection started and kill all nearby Infection Forms.

===''[[Halo Wars]]''===
[[File:Halo Wars - Elite.jpg|thumb|An Elite render from the ''[[Halo Wars]]'' trailer.]]
*They are seen dual-wielding Energy Swords in the trailers, but only the [[Ripa 'Moramee|Arbiter]] does so in game.
*The structure of their combat harnesses are somewhat different from their predecessors, especially with the chest and back portions. The armor on the sides beneath the arms are curved upwards and connected to the backpack in way that pushes directly into the back of the user's neck. This part of the armor is also thicker than the rest of the suit, which combined with the upwards curve, gives the illusion of the Elite user being noticably bulkier and more hunched than they actually are.
*The Elite's musculature is noticably more toned and visible than in the other games. This is most prominent in the musculature around the neck, which is thicker and sturdier than it is in the other games. This, combined with the unusually upwards curve of their upper-torso armor, creates an illusion of an unnatural bulk and hunch, presumably to more readily intimidate the enemy.
*In-game the only visible difference in rank is the [[Ripa 'Moramee|Arbiter]] and [[Sangheili Honor Guardsman|Honor Guards]], as well as the Red Elites wielding Energy Staves, all others are purple and light blue.
*Their teeth are in different positions, such as having teeth on the ''inside'' of their mandibles, as well as having teeth behind and to the center.

===Changes from ''Halo 3'' to ''[[Halo: Reach]]''===
*Elite ranks include [[Elite (NPC)|Minor]], [[Elite Major (gameplay)|Officer]], [[Elite Ultra (gameplay)|Ultra]], [[Sangheili General|General]], [[Elite Ranger (gameplay)|Ranger]], [[Elite Spec Ops (gameplay)|Spec Ops]] and [[Elite Zealot (gameplay)|Zealot]]. A single [[Sangheili Field Marshal|Field Marshal]] also appears.
* Returning the tradition from ''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]'', Elites once again speak in their native language. This is part of an attempt to make the Covenant more alien and imposing.<ref>Game Informer February Issue</ref>
* Elites appear more animalistic than their ''Halo 2'' and ''[[Halo 3]]'' counterparts. They more teeth on both their upper jaw and mandibles which seem to be sharper and longer like the ''[[Halo Wars]]'' Elites. They also have more of an emphasis on the definition and tone of their muscles, which can be seen rippling under their skin during cutscenes, much like their Halo Wars counterparts.
* Their eyes have changed in color to a pearly white hue, do not have pupils, and have been moved from the sides of their head to the front.
* Elites are no longer hunched over, making them appear taller and more imposing.
* Many Elites ranks make a comeback as the Elites return as a primary enemy, the way they were in ''Halo: Combat Evolved'' and ''Halo 2''.
* The alternate Elite helmet from ''Halo: Combat Evolved'' and the Elite helmet in ''Halo Wars'' have returned.
* The feet are no longer hoof-like as in previous games. Their toes have been animated to splay and squish with every step.
* Every rank now has a different armor configuration. Minors appear similarly to their appearances in previous games, but higher ranking Elites often sport varying decorative crests allowing determination of rank at a glance.
* Elites have different health and shielding strength for every different class, like in Halo Combat Evolved.
* They withstand more damage than in Halo 2 and 3.
* Elite multiplayer permutations can no longer wear pieces from different sets of armor.
* Officers take the place of Majors, though they hold the same positions.
* [[BOB]] Elites appear.
* Elites can replenish all their health without medikits in multiplayer.
* Elites are quicker and more agile.
* Elites gain multiplayer advantages over their Spartan counterparts. They can now jump higher, have a faster base movement speed and stronger shields that Spartans, although this comes at the cost of having a much larger hit box.
* Elites wield a far greater variety of weaponry than most Covenant races.
* Elite Zealots have changed role, becoming rare high ranking enemies and sporting different colors. Their previous role has been taken up by [[Sangheili General]]s.
[[File:H4-SpOps-EliteCommander.jpg|thumb|300px|A Commander in combat with a [[Spartan IV]].]]

===Changes from ''Halo: Reach'' to ''Halo 4''===
*Elites are no longer playable in multiplayer.
*Elites lack protective armor on arms.
*Elites will occasionally use Promethean weapons in ''Spartan Ops''.
*Only five Elite ranks: [[Elite (NPC)|Storm]], [[Elite Ranger (gameplay)|Ranger]], [[Elite Zealot (gameplay)|Zealot]], [[Elite Major (gameplay)|Commander]], and [[Elite Ultra (gameplay)|Warrior]].
*The Elite combat harness can be found in multiple colors, including blue, green, red, and white.
*Different anatomic features, including paler skin, molar-like teeth, larger heads.
*Storm Elites, essentially the equivalent to Minors, wield [[energy sword]]s.
*Ranger and Zealot armor has been changed.
*Zealots have once again changed function, becoming equivalent to Stealth/Spec Ops Elites.
*Elites are more aggressive in gameplay, not taking cover as often.
*Their health is lower: most of Elite classes can withstand as much damage as a Grunt or Jackal, like in ''Halo 2''.
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===Changes from ''Halo 5: Guardians'' to ''Halo Infinite''===
[[File:HINF EliteWarlordCloaking.png|thumb|300px|A Warlord engaging his Active camouflage.]]
*Elite ranks include [[Sangheili Mercenary|Mercenary]], [[Elite Major (gameplay)|Enforcer]], [[Elite Ultra (gameplay)|Ultra]], [[Sangheili Warlord|Warlord]] and [[Elite Spec Ops (gameplay)|Spec Ops]]. Elite armors are akin to the designs from ''Halo Reach''.
*All Elites, like Brutes and Marines, will pick up stronger weapons if they happen to find them, even during fights. As they are now Banished, they have no qualms about using human weapons, and often do.
*Elites fight more tactically compared to Brutes, diving for cover if their shields are down and keeping their distance with ranged weapons.
*Most vehicles are piloted by Elites (other than [[Chopper|Brute Choppers]]). When driving [[Riuctda Workshop Ghost|Ghosts]], Elites will be more careful than [[Unggoy|Grunt]] drivers and keep their distance.

===''Halo: Spartan Assault''===
*Elites now wear armor from ''Halo: Reach''.
*Elite ranks include [[Field Master]], [[Elite Major (gameplay)|Major]], [[Elite (NPC)|Minor]], [[Elite Stealth (gameplay)|Stealth]], and [[Elite Zealot (gameplay)|Zealot]].
*They usually only take cover if their shields are down.
*Elites look similar to their ''Reach'' incarnations, anatomically.

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

[[Category:Gameplay guides]]