Sangheili Honor Guardsman/Gameplay

Combat
Honor Guard Elites' armor can take as much damage as that of a Sangheili Major. They carry ceremonial pikes, but in combat they often make use of energy swords, plasma rifles, or Covenant carbines. They seem to dual wield plasma rifles more often than other Elite types. More wary and agile than the Brute Honor Guards, their speed and quick reflexes with the energy sword, paired with their skill with the plasma rifle's rapid fire, made them quite formidable foes.

Although their armor was removed from them during the Changing of the Guard, it seems several of the Elites were able to regain their armor from fallen enemies, as they wear them during the start of the Great Schism on High Charity.

Tactics
As with all Elites, the most efficient means of killing them is with the Noob Combo. Simply overcharge a Plasma Pistol and then fire a Battle Rifle or Covenant carbine and land a headshot on them. For closer ranges, use the battle rifle (more damage dealt); for further ranges, use the carbine to avoid the spread effect. Brute Shots also work to some extent, but, on Legendary, are ultimately overpowered by the incredible rate of power and damage dealt of the plasma rifle. Specifically, for the instance at the end of the level in the cramped space, the easiest means of killing them is the energy sword, as the Elites can easily hide behind all the cover. Be wary though, as some of them have swords of their own.

Halo Wars
"Protect the Hierarch!"

- Honor Guard Elite

In Halo Wars they appear as a special forces unit. They are only available if the Prophet of Regret is the leader unit. Armed with energy swords, they are extremely effective against infantry and light vehicles like Warthogs and Wolverines, but are vulnerable to heavy vehicles and useless against air units. A good strategy to group Honor Guards with Hunters and Grunts for firepower against infantry, vehicles, and aircraft, respectively. Honor Guard are also very useful when they are employed as scouts. Using their Cloak ability, you can easily sneak up to and spy on enemy units or even the enemy base. While in Cloak mode, enemy turrets and units cannot see the Honor Guard, making it the perfect scout.

Resource: 125

Minimum Tech Level: 1

Population Count: 1

Upgrades:


 * "Cloak": Enables an active camouflage cloak.
 * Resource: 500
 * Minimum Tech Level: 2


 * "Personal Shield": Adds a personal energy shield.
 * Resource: 800
 * Minimum Tech Level: 3