Grunts

Grunts

 * Height: Approximately 5 feet
 * Strength: Weak
 * Covenant Name: Unggoy

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Grunts were one of the original races of the Covenant, serving as soldiers and labors in all different fields. Grunts are obedient, loyal, and hard working, though not overly intelligent or creative. It has been indicated that at some time in the Covenant's history, there was a Grunt Rebellion, which was quelled, thanks in part to an Arbiter who was named during that period for that purpose.

They appear to be simian, easily walking either upright on two legs, or in the manner of a quadruped. While carrying arms, they are forced to walk upright so that they may support their weapons with their hands. While trying to flee, or while patrolling without a weapon drawn, they will use their oversized arms as forlegs to add speed or stability to their gait.

Their homeworld is a cold and swampy planet blanketed in a thick methane atmosphere. For this reason, Grunts are seen carrying around a large life-support system on their back which appears nearly as large as they are, forming a conical protrusion upwards and outwards. Due to their bodies acclimation to breathing methane gas, their voices are high-pitched and squeaky, which sounds comical to other races. Also due to the chemicals they breath and the climate of their atmosphere, their blood has evolved into a semi-luminous blue fluid, and they have developed a very thick leathery bluish skin.

Grunts feel safe when in large numbers or led by an Elite, though if the Elite or most of the squad dies, or if a superior enemy gets too close, they tend to panic and flee. This exposes a vulnerable backside, where a single melee attack with any weapon will kill them. Also, in the original Halo, hitting a Grunt in the face with a grenade would outright kill it, even before detonation. The Grunts are the species which created Needlers (their only significant contribution to the Covenant's armaments), which use sharp homing crystals that can only be found on the Grunt's home world.

The Grunts make common enemies in both Halo games. They are armed with a variety of weapons, from plasma pistols to cannons. Grunts also come in many different classes, which can be easily distinguished visually due to the color of their armor and life-support apparatus.


 * White: White armored Grunts can often be seen peforming miscellaeous duties, ranging from combat to custodian.
 * Orange: Grunt minors. These are the most common grunt class depicted in the games. They are used by the Covenant Forces as cannon fodder.
 * Red: Veteran Mobile Infantry. These are less common than the orange grunts, and they can be seen commanding small forces of orange grunts. They do not appear to be smarter, braver, more agile or any different than orange grunts, except for the ability to hold a unit together.
 * Green: Gunners. Green grunts are found on or near mounted plasma cannons, and turrets. If a cannon or turret is available, they will run toward it, and try to take you out.
 * Black: Special Operations: Black Ops grunts are commanded by Special Forces Elites, and they carry heavier weapons than typical grunts. They can be seen carrying Hunter Cannons (Fuel Rod Guns) and they are smarter, and harder to kill than run of the mill grunts.

During the Covenant Civil War, sparked by the replacement of the Elites by the Brutes as the Guardians of the Prophets, the Grunts have sided with the Hunters and Elites. This greatly bolstered the rebel's numbers.