Directed-energy weapon

Directed Energy Weapon is a term used to refer to a broad range of weaponry that use energy directed in some manner rather than projectile ammunition.

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.