Directed-energy weapon

A Directed Energy Weapon (or DEW) is a type of weapon which emits energy in an aimed direction without the means of a projectile. It transfers energy to a target for a desired effect. Some of these weapons are real or in development; others are at present only science fiction.

Lasers
Lasers are standard armament on Covenant warships, and equipped to UNSC Prowlers, used for precision strikes and for point-defence, intercepting fighters and missiles attacking the ship.

Plasma
The Covenant also utilise a type of superheated plasma, contained and guided by a controlled magnetic field, for extremely damaging strikes against UNSC targets, such as warships or glassing a conquered planet. Plasma is also used in the majority of Covenant small-arms, such as the Plasma Pistol, Plasma Rifle, Plasma Grenade and Fuel Rod Cannon.

Particle Beam Weapons
The Covenant also use accelerated particles as weaponry, such as the devastating capitol-ship mounted Energy Projector and the infinitely smaller Type-50 Sniper Rifle System. These weapons use charged or neutral particles, and may appear similar to lasers though the differences are extensive.