Skins (Halo 3)

This article is about the player skins introduced in Halo: The Master Chief Collection. For the armor customization found in Halo 3, see here.

This article is part of a series on Halo gameplay

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To check out gameplay articles for other Halo games, see here!

v • d • e

Skins are an element of player customization found in Halo 3 for Halo: The Master Chief Collection.

Overview

A Spartan utilizing a unique Battle Rifle skin.

Skins allow players to customize their the appearance of weapons and vehicles in-game. Skins are an element of customization separate to armor permutations, which allow the player to customize their armor components. The launch of Series 3: Recon in 2020 saw the introduction of weapon skins and visor colors for Halo 3, with more weapon skins and newly introduced vehicle skins being included with Series 4: Reclaimer in November 2020. Another batch of skins was included in Series 5: Anvil. Series 6: Raven saw the addition of animated visors and more weapon and vehicle skins. Series 7: Elite included skins for the Energy Sword. Series 8: Mythic added more weapon and vehicle skins, and more animated visors.

Weapon skins

Magnum

Skins for the Magnum.

Magnum v • d • e
Icon	Name	Description	Unlock requirements
	Default	Default skin.	Unlocked by default
	Hunter’s Blood	Well armed. Well armored.	Series 3, Tier 1 ( 1)
	Blue Heaven	Reach for the sky.	Series 3, Tier 22 ( 1)
	Sharpshooter	The bite stuff.	Series 3, Tier 31 ( 1)
	Golden	Bling on the ring.	Series 3, Tier 44 ( 1)
	Tech Camo Bravo	Gunner's seat, please.	Series 5, Tier 40 ( 1)
	Hazard Pay	Safety first!	Series 5, Tier 57 ( 1)
	OGX	Used on a select target audience.	The Exchange ( 3)

Assault Rifle

Skins for the Assault Rifle.

Assault Rifle v • d • e
Icon	Name	Description	Unlock requirements
	Default	Default skin.	Unlocked by default
	Woodland	Camping is a legitimate strategy.	Series 3, Tier 8 ( 1)
	Squirt	It's good under pressure.	Series 3, Tier 24 ( 1)
	Corrosion	The Oxidation Sensation.	Series 3, Tier 33 ( 1)
	Golden	Bling on the ring.	Series 3, Tier 37 ( 1)
	Hazard Pay	Safety first!	Series 5, Tier 43 ( 1)
	Desert	Looks very stylish with a poncho.	Series 5, Tier 86 ( 1)
	Sapphire Raven	On land and stormy seas.	Series 6, Tier 91 ( 1)
	Vexing Tomorrow	Grim beauty.	Series 8, Tier 8 ( 1)
	Black Rhine	The king of the battlefield.	The Exchange ( 3)
	OGX	If it looked any more real, it would be real.	The Exchange ( 3)
	Scorned Fate	Neither tide nor time shifts before a conquering hero.	The Exchange ( 4)

Battle Rifle

Skins for the Battle Rifle.

Battle Rifle v • d • e
Icon	Name	Description	Unlock requirements
	Default	Default skin.	Unlocked by default
	Tech Camo Bravo	Gunner’s seat, please.	Series 3, Tier 19 ( 1)
	Tropical Thunder	The palm in your hand.	Series 3, Tier 27 ( 1)
	Art Of War	Tag. You’re it.	Series 3, Tier 35 ( 1)
	Red Alert	The source of cautionary tales.	Series 3, Tier 50 ( 1)
	Desert	Looks very stylish with a poncho.	Series 5, Tier 18 ( 1)
	Scarlet Thorn	Points well made.	Series 5, Tier 21 ( 1)
	Hunter's Blood	Well armed. Well armored.	Series 5, Tier 33 ( 1)
	Hazard Pay	Safety first!	Series 5, Tier 48 ( 1)
	Golden	Bling on the ring.	Series 5, Tier 53 ( 1)
	Grey Scales	There are many sides to every argument.	Series 5, Tier 65 ( 1)
	Great Journey	Don't worry... I know what the aliens like.	Series 5, Tier 83 ( 1)
	Lucky Shot	But you had something they didn't...	Series 5 Challenge: Combo Maker
	Amber Raven	Waiting in the sleeping forest.	Series 6, Tier 88 ( 1)
	Black Rhine	Take out targets in style.	Series 6, The Exchange ( 4)
	Vexing Tomorrow	War is art.	Series 8, Tier 98 ( 1)
	Scorned Fate	The ravages of time can touch even the mightiest of weapons.	Series 8 Challenge: Veteran Veneer Complete the Montage Starter Kit and Infamous challenges.
	OGX		Series 8, The Exchange ( 3)

Sniper Rifle

Skins for the Sniper Rifle.

Sniper Rifle v • d • e
Icon	Name	Description	Unlock requirements
	Default	Default skin.	Unlocked by default
	Woodland	Camping is a legitimate strategy.	Series 4, Tier 22 ( 1)
	Desert	Looks very stylish with a poncho.	Series 4, Tier 35 ( 1)
	Golden	Bling on the ring.	Series 4, Tier 50 ( 1)
	Red Alert	The source of cautionary tales.	Series 5, Tier 61 ( 1)
	Hazard Pay	Safety first!	Series 5, Tier 68 ( 1)
	Amethyst Raven	Searching for foes under alien skies.	Series 6, Tier 17 ( 1)
	Vexing Tomorrow	True are is rarely appreciated by its target audience.	Series 8, Tier 47 ( 1)
	Avalanche	Like Sidewinder, but with more polygons.	Series 4 Challenge: Recon Renegade (Reach Rank in the Recon Slayer competitive playlist) Log into Halo: The Master Chief Collection any time after February, 2026.
	Black Rhine	An artist appreciates their tools.	The Exchange ( 3)
	OGX	-	The Exchange ( 3)
	Scorned Fate	The hand of Atropos weighs heavily on executioners.	The Exchange ( 4)

Shotgun

Skins for the Shotgun.

Shotgun v • d • e
Icon	Name	Description	Unlock requirements
	Default	Default skin.	Unlocked by default
	Woodland	Camping is a legitimate strategy.	Series 4, Tier 8 ( 1)
	Golden	Bling on the ring.	Series 4, Tier 24 ( 1)
	Hunter's Blood	Well armed. Well armored.	Series 4, Tier 38 ( 1)
	Jade Raven	Deep in trackless green.	Series 6, Tier 85 ( 1)
	Vexing Tomorrow	Inscribed by the finest artists for the ugliest jobs.	Series 8, Tier 17 ( 1)
	Black Rhine	Invest in close-range success.	The Exchange ( 3)
	OGX	The competition won't know what hit them.	The Exchange ( 3)
	Scorned Fate	Worn down by blood, time, and hate.	The Exchange ( 4)

Rocket Launcher

Skins for the Rocket Launcher.

Rocket Launcher v • d • e
Icon	Name	Description	Unlock requirements
	Default	Default skin.	Unlocked by default
	Hunter's Blood	Well armed. Well armored.	Series 4, Tier 10 ( 1)
	Corrosion	The Oxidation Sensation.	Series 4, Tier 19 ( 1)
	Hazard Pay	Safety first!	Series 5, Tier 22 ( 1)
	Vexing Tomorrow	Each battle is a canvas, each rocket a brush.	Series 8, Tier 44 ( 1)
	Black Rhine	Dream big.	The Exchange ( 3)
	OGX	We're taking over this area. We don't need your permission.	The Exchange ( 3)
	Scorned Fate	Ancient weapons brought to light for a new age of war.	The Exchange ( 4)

SMG

Skins for the SMG.

SMG v • d • e
Icon	Name	Description	Unlock requirements
	Default	Default skin.	Unlocked by default
	Tech Camo Alpha	Don't wait up for me.	Series 4, Tier 5 ( 1)
	Bengal	The Real King of the Jungle.	Series 4, Tier 15 ( 1)
	Hunter's Blood	Well armed. Well armored.	Series 4, Tier 25 ( 1)
	Scorpio	On target, and on brand.	Series 5, Tier 4 ( 1)
	Art of War	Tag. You're it.	Series 5, Tier 77 ( 1)
	Golden	Bling on the ring.	Series 5, Tier 93 ( 1)

Flamethrower

Skins for the Flamethrower.

Flamethrower v • d • e
Icon	Name	Description	Unlock requirements
	Default	Default skin.	Unlocked by default
	Hot Pepper	It's sure to leave scar tissue.	Series 4, Tier 15 ( 1)
	Dear John	Halo: Grasslands	Series 4, Tier 43 ( 1)

Fuel Rod Gun

Skins for the Fuel Rod Gun.

Fuel Rod Gun v • d • e
Icon	Name	Description	Unlock requirements
	Default	Default skin.	Unlocked by default
	Brutal	A Jiralhanae's best friend.	Series 4, Tier 30 ( 1)
	Schism	For those seeking redemption.	Series 5, Tier 95 ( 1)

Needler

Skins for the Needler.

Needler v • d • e
Icon	Name	Description	Unlock requirements
	Default	Default skin.	Unlocked by default
	Zealot	Glory in an honorable death.	Series 4, Tier 13 ( 1)
	Schism	For those seeking redemption.	Series 5, Tier 28 ( 1)

Plasma Pistol

Skins for the Plasma Pistol.

Plasma Pistol v • d • e
Icon	Name	Description	Unlock requirements
	Default	Default skin.	Unlocked by default
	Zealot	Glory in an honorable death.	Series 4, Tier 31 ( 1)
	Schism	For those seeking redemption.	Series 5, Tier 31 ( 1)

Plasma Rifle

Skins for the Plasma Rifle.

Plasma Rifle v • d • e
Icon	Name	Description	Unlock requirements
	Default	Default skin.	Unlocked by default
	For those seeking redemption.	Schism	Series 4, Tier 40 ( 1)
	Keeper	Still searching for true freedom.	Series 5, Tier 91 ( 1)

Covenant Carbine

Skins for the Carbine.

Covenant Carbine v • d • e
Icon	Name	Description	Unlock requirements
	Default	Default skin.	Unlocked by default
	Zealot	Glory in an honorable death.	Series 5, Tier 36 ( 1)
	Splendor	Maintaining the Writ of Union.	Series 5, Tier 58 ( 1)
	Schism	For those seeking redemption.	Series 5, Tier 79 ( 1)

Energy Sword

Skins for the Energy Sword.

Energy Sword v • d • e
Icon	Name	Description	Unlock requirements
	Default	Default skin.	Unlocked by default
	Bloodblade	Hidden. Active. Deadly. The Silent Shadow have been. The Silent Shadow remain.	Series 7, Tier 1 ( 1)
	Necroplasma	The glow of fury for those who refuse to become pawns of the creeping death.	Series 7, Tier 46 ( 1)
	Evocati's Edge	Only the most adept blademasters were chosen to wield the Ultra's holy fire.	Series 7 Challenge: Elite Swordplay
	Darkstar	Will Fied call out your name in the Hall of Eternity when your last breath has been spent?	Series 7, The Exchange ( 3)
	Kaidon's Guard	The Swords of Sanghelios brandish blades bound by honor—to defend a keep not bound by borders.	Series 7, The Exchange ( 3)
	Lance of Suban	Only Subanese natives may possess blades infused with a shard of the moon's own bounty.	Series 7, The Exchange ( 3)
	Light of Joori	Joori's warm light helps give Sanghelios life. This blade is for all who defend her.	Series 7, The Exchange ( 3)

Vehicle skins

Warthog

Skins for the Warthog.

Warthog v • d • e
Icon	Name	Description	Unlock requirements
	Default	Default skin.	Unlocked by default
	Arctic	Over snow by winter sown.	Series 4, Tier 3 ( 1)
	Rally Hog	One deadly homologation special.	Series 4, Tier 29 ( 1)
	Hazard Pay	Safety first!	Series 4, Tier 42 ( 1)
	Amber Raven	Because orange is obviously the best color.	Series 6, Tier 94 ( 1)
	Black Rhine	Moa-skin hubcaps optional.	Series 6, The Exchange ( 3)
	Gilden Lion	A chariot fit for heroes.	Series 8 Challenge: The Hogfather Complete the Beast Mode and Chrononaut challenges.
	Great Journey	Don't worry... I know what the aliens like.	Unlocked by default
	Taxi	Keep the meter running.	Unlocked by default
	ONI	Keeping secrets safe since 2178.	Unreleased

Gauss Warthog

Skins for the Gauss Warthog.

Gauss Warthog v • d • e
Icon	Name	Description	Unlock requirements
	Default	Default skin.	Unlocked by default
	Corrosion	The Oxidation Sensation.	Series 4, Tier 21 ( 1)
	Shark	A different kind of mouthing off.	Series 4, Tier 37 ( 1)
	Fire Truck	For rapid-reaction firefighting fireteams.	Series 6, Tier 86 ( 1)

Ghost

Skins for the Ghost.

Ghost v • d • e
Icon	Name	Description	Unlock requirements
	Default	Default skin.	Unlocked by default
	Zealot	Glory in an honorable death.	Series 4, Tier 7 ( 1)
	Ultra	The Evocati don't mess around.	Series 4, Tier 44 ( 1)
	Schism	For those seeking redemption.	Series 4, Tier 47 ( 1)

Banshee

Skins for the Banshee.

Banshee v • d • e
Icon	Name	Description	Unlock requirements
	Default	Default skin.	Unlocked by default
	Brutal	A Jiralhanae's best friend.	Series 4, Tier 12 ( 1)
	Schism	For those seeking redemption.	Series 4, Tier 23 ( 1)
	Zealot	Glory in an honorable death.	Series 4, Tier 34 ( 1)

Scorpion

Skins for the Scorpion tank.

Scorpion v • d • e
Icon	Name	Description	Unlock requirements
	Default	Default skin.	Unlocked by default
	Bengal	The Real King of the Jungle.	Series 4, Tier 12 ( 1)
	Grim Reaper	Why so jolly, Roger?	Series 4, Tier 27 ( 1)
	Arctic	Over snow by winter sown.	Series 4, Tier 39 ( 1)
	Hazard Pay	Safety first!	Series 4, Tier 47 ( 1)
	Jade Raven	Not all Scorpions hide in the sand.	Series 6, Tier 96 ( 1)
	Black Rhine	Worth its weight in gold.	Series 6, The Exchange ( 3)
	Gilded Lion	Have I ever told you the story of the Lion and the Scorpion?	Series 8, Tier 80 ( 1)

Mongoose

Skins for the Mongoose.

Mongoose v • d • e
Icon	Name	Description	Unlock requirements
	Default	Default skin.	Unlocked by default
	Hazard Pay	Safety first!	Series 5 Challenge: Release The Geese
	Amethyst Raven	Purple makes you go faster, scientifically.	Series 6, Tier 45 ( 1)
	Blue Lightning	Put the pedal to the metal.	Series 6, Tier 61 ( 1)
	Turbo	The color of finality.	Series 6, Tier 79 ( 1)
	Black Rhine	Being stylish means never having to apologize for excess.	Series 6, The Exchange ( 3)
	Gilded Lion	Suitable for parades and full-frontal assaults.	Series 8, Tier 11 ( 1)

Hornet

Skins for the Hornet.

Hornet v • d • e
Icon	Name	Description	Unlock requirements
	Default	Default skin.	Unlocked by default
	Sapphire Raven	The "whisper mode" option is not included.	Series 6, Tier 100 ( 1)
	Black Rhine	Golden parachute included as standard.	Series 6, The Exchange ( 3)
	Gilded Lion	Strange dreams of other realms often inspire UNSC pilots.	Series 8, Tier 27 ( 1)

Trivia

• The "Scorpio" skin for the SMG, along with its black and green color palette, is a reference to the Xbox One X and its production codename "Project Scorpio".
• The "Keeper" skin for the Plasma Rifle is a reference to the Keepers of the One Freedom and their official colors of blue and gold.
• The colors and name of the "Dear John" skin for the Flamethrower are a reference to the John Deere manufacturing company. The skin's description is a play on Halo: Glasslands, with "Grasslands" likely referencing the lawn mowers for which John Deere is most famous for. The skin is also available for the flamethrower in the Halo: Combat Evolved portion of Halo: The Master Chief Collection.
• The name of the "Hot Pepper" skin for the Flamethrower is likely a reference to the Red Hot Chili Peppers. This is further evidenced by the skin's description which mentions "scar tissue," the name of one of the band's most popular songs.
• The description of the "Splendor" Carbine skin mentions the Writ of Union, the founding charter of, and an oath of service to, the Covenant.
• The description of the "Amethyst Raven" Mongoose skin is a reference to the "Red Ones Go Faster" trope which, in fiction, states that anything painted red (mainly vehicles) goes faster.
• The "Grim Reaper" Scorpion skin features the text "ONE-38" and a skeletal face motif in reference to horror-punk band Misfits, notable for their "Fiend Skull" mascot and song titled "We Are 138".
• The “Scarlet Thorn” Battle Rifle skin appears to be directly based off of the “Pioneer” Battle Rifle variant from Halo Online.
• The name and designs of the skins: "Vexing Tomorrow" & "Scorned Fate" are most likely references to the enemy races, Vex & Scorn repectively, from the game series Destiny. Which Bungie made after leaving the Halo franchise.

Gallery

• 

  The Avalanche Sniper Rifle skin, in-game.
• 

  An Assault-clad Sangheili with the Bloodblade energy sword.
• 

  A Keepward-clad Sangheili with the Kaidon's Guard energy sword.
• 

  A Seneschal-clad Sangheili with the Evocati's Edge energy sword.
• 

  An Artisan-clad Sangheili with the Lance of Suban energy sword.
• 

  A Scion-clad Sangheili with the Light of Joori energy sword.
• 

  The ODST/TAC armor, with assault rifle and Hornet employing the Sapphire Raven skins.
• 

  The ODST/COMM armor, with battle rifle and Warthog employing the Amber Raven skins.
• 

  The ODST/HVY armor, with shotgun and Scorpion employing the Jade Raven skins.
• 

  The ODST/DEMO armor, with sniper rifle and Mongoose employing the Amethyst Raven skins.