Energy sword (fiction)

The Type-1 Energy Weapon, also known as the Plasma Sword, or more commonly as the Energy Sword, is a close quarters Sangheili melee weapon. When used by the Sangheili, this energy weapon is more dangerous than its ceremonial nature implies. The energy sword is mainly employed by Zealot and Ultra Sangheili in Halo 2, though Special Operations Elites have been known to use it for close quarter combat and there is always one Elite of lesser rank on Delta Halo. It is one of the main weapons in use by the Arbiter, whose race aided in the creation of the weapons.

Design Details
The Energy Sword's plasma is shaped and held into a blade-like form by a small magnetic-field generator built into the handle of the weapon. The reason the blade has two points is caused by the magnetic properties of the weapon, two poles needing two points. The hot energy of the blade can cut through most armor and can cut an opponent in half with one swipe, it is also quite effective against Flood organisms. This same technology is utilized in all Covenant plasma weapons. In Halo: Combat Evolved, if the Elite wielding the sword drops it, a fail-safe activates, deactivating the magnetic field without first dispensing the plasma, consuming the handle and thus destroying the weapon. In Halo 2, a similar fail-safe is active when not wielding the weapon directly. The handle must be under pressure from the handler to be activated so that the weapon can be stored safely.

Varying amounts of energy are used up when killing various foes (e.g. Flood Combat Form: 2.5 battery units e.g Flood infection form 0 battery units e.g. Elite 10-11 battery units). Normal swipes that merely strike a foe do not drain the Sword's battery as you must kill the foe to consume power. Therefore, it may be prudent to strike a foe until it nears death and then use another weapon that has ammunition that can be found more frequently in the level. Around 10 percent of the sword's energy is consumed by killing a normal opponent in the Halo 2 campaign, but only 3 percent of the sword's energy is consumed when killing Flood (Combat Form). Killing Infection Forms does not use any battery energy, but it is highly ineffective anyway, and so should be avoided whenever possible.

In Halo 2 Multiplayer, there is no limit on the amount of energy the Energy Sword can use before running out. However, it is not in every map, and even so, the maps that do have a sword only have one. In Halo 3 there is a limit on the amount of energy, only allowing the wielder to eliminate 10 players, before the Energy Sword runs out of energy and cannot be used. After the Energy Sword runs out of energy; however, you can still use it to attack your enemies. The damage is then equal to a regular melee attack and will take a longer time to kill, unless you assassinate your enemy.

Advantages
The Energy Sword is one of the most powerful weapons in Halo 2 and Halo 3. A single lunge can kill even a fully shielded Spartan or Covenant Elite (depending on rank; in Halo 2, it takes many lunges to kill a fully shielded Ultra, even on Easy). An over-shielded enemy can take two lunges to kill. In Halo 2 and Halo 3 it is also one of the very few weapons that can destroy the bodies of dead Combat Forms, preventing their revival by Infection Forms. Doing this, however, will still take up energy.

In contrast in terms of multiplayer gameplay from Halo 2 to Halo 3, the lunge is shorter. Normally (but not if your opponent makes an evasive move), the lunge will connect and will eviscerate your opponent. A normal swing of the sword can deplete 1 and 2/5's of the shielding. This is enough to eliminate a normal shield, and your health. The amount of damage can be increased if you jump, run, do a lunge, do a jumping lunge, do a melee, lunging melee, etc; but can be blocked by parrying with a melee when the opponent makes a lunge, causing the loss of your shields, but not actually killing you. The sword can also parry melees with appropriate timing. This is most common with other swords, but there is picture evidence of a sword parrying a hammer strike.

The primary fire button initiates a lunge when the cross hair goes red or a swipe if it is not, and the melee button initiates a fast melee. Unlike the Gravity Hammer in Halo 3, it is very hard to tell that a player has the sword when it is not the primary weapon being used, making it much easier to catch an opponent off guard, thus the player wielding it is less likely to be targeted so quickly by snipers. Remember to bear in mind the time now taken to unsheathe them, as this can give them the chance to get a shot in.

Disadvantages
The Energy Sword is purely a close-quarters weapon, meaning that it is completely useless past close range. A skilled Spartan or Elite can defeat a sword wielder with low-brow weapons like the SMG or the M6C Magnum by avoiding getting close to a player wielding a sword. It is key, much like with any other close-range only weapon, for the wielder to conceal it until he is close enough to use it properly; should an enemy spot the weapon at a distance he can easily kill off the player as he backs up to keep his distance.

Another disadvantage is that the Energy Sword, like most other Covenant Weapons, has a battery, requiring the player to drop the weapon once the battery is used up. Although the handle can be used as a club, the Energy Sword's combat effectiveness is minimal when its energy runs out (enemies, especially Flood Combat Forms, are less vulnerable to a depleted energy sword and require two attacks before dying). In Halo 2, Energy Swords also show through Active Camouflage, making it harder to be stealthy. However, in Campaign mode, the sword seemingly cannot be seen by enemies through Active Camouflage. Perhaps if they do see it they think the player is a camouflaged Elite. In Halo 3, the sword is completely invisible if you too are invisible.

Also, in both Halo 2 and Halo 3, if you initiate a Sword Lunge, an opponent with a Shotgun can easily fire off one shot and kill you. This also works well with a Brute Shot although it is somewhat harder to pull off without taking damage or killing yourself in the process. You can also be sniped at close range if the enemy is a decent enough sniper. Most of the time, the player wielding the Energy Sword will try and run at a targeted player, and most of the time they will run straight at the player, but even if they strafe from left to right they are still vulnerable while charging at their enemy.

Variations
In Halo: Combat Evolved the Energy Sword, it was sometimes known as a "Plasma Sword" then, has a cyan glow, has a far less defined edge and makes a dull clunk when striking something or someone. It is only used by Stealth Elites, Zealots, and councilors. The player cannot use the energy sword in Halo: Combat Evolved, because once a Zealot is defeated, the energy sword will activate a fail-safe and disintegrate via the plasma of the former blade collapsing onto the handle, thus rendering the weapon useless.

In Halo 2, the energy sword is blue with purple undertones and electrical energy crackling on it when the blade is activated. As in the previous game, it is only used by higher-ranking Elites, such as Spec-ops, Ultras and Zealots. It has an infinite battery in Multiplayer.

In Halo 3 the sword has more of a light cyan tinge similar to its appearance in Halo: Combat Evolved but still has a tint of purple near the handle. If you look closely, Forerunner letters are on it. It also has an angle near the handle, whereas in the two previous games it was curved. The Sword has a limited battery supply in multiplayer (presumably because of its immense power), and more time is needed to unsheathe it. Interestingly, although the Halo 3 Energy Sword is angular near the handle, the icon on your HUD is still curved as it was in the first 2 Halo games. The reason for this is unknown.

In Halo Wars the energy sword wielded by Ripa 'Moramee has a ceremonial look making it look thinner near the points, since its design relates to his armor. This variation, however, adds a shielded handle that covers his hands for either better grip or protection. It is also possible that since Halo Wars takes place 20 years before Halo: Combat Evolved, the Energy Sword is much older, therefore, more ceremonial for the Arbiter to use rather than a generic military variation. Ripa 'Moramee's Energy Swords also leave behind a trail of what would seem to be escaped plasma from the Sword's magnetic barrier when they slice through the air. This was not seen in Halo 2 and 3, most likely meaning that the Energy Sword's magnetic barrier was improved between the Battle of Harvest and 2552. Although the glow around the Energy Sword seen in Halo: CE may perhaps also be escaped Plasma, still loosely held by the Sword's magnetic field.

Cultural Significance
The Energy Sword holds a high significance in Sangheili culture. Only Spec-Ops Elites, Stealth Elites, and other higher ranks including Aristocrats are normally permitted to wield one. However, both Minor and Major Elites were seen using this weapon in the Halo 2 levels Delta Halo and Regret. Also, in the Halo 3 level Floodgate, the first Elite Major that you come across also has one with it, though this may be due to their recent split with the Covenant. In Halo 3, all Elites, including Minors can pull out Energy Swords and use them when stuck with a Plasma Grenade or a Spike grenade. This technique is used by many players to gain Energy Swords. The distribution to lower ranks could be a side effect of the Great Schism and the subsequent discarding of religious protocols. Though it is commonly used for ceremonial purposes, it is often used in a battle as well. Sangheili culture even allows an Elite with great sword skills to mate with any female he chooses, but they may not marry. This is to ensure that the 'swordsman' genes are passed to the next generation.

Only the most skilled warriors of the Sangheili are normally permitted to use the sword and it is implied that they spend years building and improving their skills in order to become combatants in the lethal art of sword fighting. Nonetheless, despite the cultural taboo against it, any Elite can wield an energy sword with competent skill, becoming a deadly foe.

Tactics
There are two ways a player in Halo 3 can attack and lunge with the Energy Sword. The first way is lunging, which occurs when the player pulls the right trigger. With this, the player lunges forward at the other player. However, this only works when the aiming reticule is lit red, indicating that the opposing player is within range.

The second attack is the straight-up melee, performed by hitting the B button (default control scheme). This performs a sort of underhanded swipe (when the reticule is not red or facing an invisible opponent) or a lunge move (when the reticule is red). Though one would assume that because the energy sword's lunge and melee were the same, Bungie has indicated (via the short messages at the bottom of the screen while searching for a match in Halo 3 matchmaking), that the melee performed by hitting the B button is actually a fraction of a second quicker than those performed with the right trigger. This information can be exploited during clashes between two sword holders: if both players lunge at the same time, they will clash backwards; should one player use the right trigger and the other use the B button for their next attack, assuming that both are still within range and both attacks are thrown at the same time, the player who used the melee will almost invariably win and earn the "Bulltrue" medal (depending on host-client latency times). One way to stop a lunge attack is to throw any type of "sticky" grenade at the person lunging at you. This will kill them but you, most likely, still will die from the lunge, therefore the two cancel each other out with each person gaining a kill and death.

Dodging Sword Lunges
It is possible to dodge a blow from the Covenant Energy Sword. To do this, one must move quickly to the right (when facing the lunging opponent), towards the hand which does not hold the sword. Conversely, to prevent your target from dodging your lunge, simply jump; jumping reduces all chances of missing or being dodged by an opponent.

Infinite Energy
In Halo 2, it is practicable to have an infinite amount of energy for the sword in campaign. All you have to do is empty all of the energy of the sword before completing the first level of two back-to-back levels (e.g. Outskirts-Metropolis). When you cross over to the next level you'll still have your empty energy sword, but it acts like a normal one. However, this glitch will not work if you use the sword while it has no ammo before changing levels. And when you cloak you can see an outline of the sword. It's great for The Oracle and Quarantine Zone. Just remember to have an empty sword by the end of The Arbiter, Delta Halo, Sacred Icon, Uprising, The Great Journey or Outskirts.

Parrying
In Halo 3, a new feature has been added so that players can parry their opponent's sword by meleeing or lunging at the same time. If you pull the right trigger right before the other person makes contact, a sort of "lightsaber clang" is produced, but you do lose some or all of your shield, however when you get down to no shields, a sword clash will not affect you, though your screen will flash bright red. Be careful though; they can lunge back at you and kill you. This is sometimes known as "Fencing" and can be a game, first to die loses. A useful tactic to use in sword-on-sword fight is, once you parry, to move back out of range. You can trick the opponent into swinging and then move back into lunge distance and teach them a fatal lesson. A simple "B" melee with the sword in Halo 3 will also parry the lunge of an advancing opponent. If you time it well enough the sword fight can last indefinitely. An effective tactic if you are in the lead and get into a sword fight is to throw a plasma grenade instead of swinging, you will very likely stick them at such close range, if not, the explosive radius will probably kill one or both of you. To avoid getting killed by the explosion, you should back away from the battle after throwing the grenade. Another tactic is to throw a grenade at somebodies feet when they have the sword, and if you have the sword as well, when they will most likely jump up you can kill them as they land. The best way to win a sword fight is by using B, as it is much faster and the time between strikes is given a noticeable decrease.

Jumping
Jumping can make the Energy Sword much more fearsome, brutally effective and accurate. Jump and point your reticule down, waiting until it turns red to lunge at the opponent. This tactic makes it harder for your enemy to track you with their reticule and sword cross hair, making it more accurate. and thus you are more likely to win in a sword fight. By leaping upwards, your enemy cannot see you, and you can swiftly bring your attack down on the head giving you a "higher ground" battle mentality. Beware, Flood Combat Forms use this tactic to good effect, and do it a lot more on Legendary. This can be countered if by pointing the reticule up and lunging at the diving player ; the player on the ground who lunges up at you (in Halo 2) will most likely win the exchange.

Surprise Attacks
Put it away, and swap for another weapon when you are crossing open ground. If an opponent sees you approaching with an Energy Sword, they will usually backpedal and shoot you down before you can come into range. Switch to another weapon and use a surprising lunge attack, although this tactic is not recommended for use in Halo 3 as it takes time to fully activate the sword, as it would with any other weapon.

Sword Lunging vs. Melee
If you melee with the sword instead of pressing  RT  you can kill the player faster. Performing a melee attack and then lunging is very hard to block, unless done at close range where two melees would win easily. Performing a melee attack and then lunging is much faster than lunging twice; it is useful to keep that in mind when playing Rumble Pit. Caution should be taken, however, as melee range with the sword is shorter than the lunge distance.

When in a swords game, or simply when engaging in a sword vs. sword fight, ignoring the lunge altogether, at shorter ranges, is another good tactic. Keep a steady thumb on the melee button and be prepared to hit it. A fast player will be able to parry a lunge using melee and counter-attack almost instantly. This can be used to stall or even defeat veteran swordsmen.

Stopping a Sword Lunge
Other than the basic shotgun, the Beam Rifle can also stop a sword lunge. The Beam Rifle is chosen for its ability to make accurate and quick shots. Just point your reticule at the head of an opponent who is lunging. Be quick enough to shoot before the lunge is completed and you have gotten an easy Bulltrue medal. If you want an even greater challenge, replace the snipers with a Battle Rifle and Covenant Carbine respectively.

The Brute Shot is an equally competent replacement. Just shoot the sword wielder in the body before striking the enemy quickly with the sharp blade. However, do note that this method causes splash damage. Using the Mauler could also work against a sword carrier. Shoot in the body and follow it up with a quick melee.

Dual Wielding
The Energy Sword is non-dual wieldable in any of the present Halo games. It is, however, physically possible to wield two swords at once in the accepted canon. The reason the Energy Sword is non dual-wieldable in game is because it kills most enemies in one hit, so dual wielding would not be necessary. Although, in the Bungie video "Et tu, Brute?" it does show an Elite slashing and impaling a Brute with two swords. To negate this, Bungie removed all possibility of dual-wielding. This hitch has been noted with dual-wielding shotguns.

The misconception of the sword being dual-weildable caused many gamers to be dissapointed upon playing Halo 3 however some people have attempted to show screenshots of them dual-weilding swords in order to trick people. But almost always when looked at carefully the second sword is being clearly held up in Forge.

In the Halo Graphic Novel, Rtas 'Vadum and Kusovai dual wield swords while in a training exercise, as well as throughout The Last Voyage of the Infinite Succor. Through which dual Energy Swords are used to fight the growing Flood infestations of the ship. Due to a render seen in the early "Et Tu, Brute" ViDoc released by Bungie, it was conjectured that the Energy Sword would be a dual-wieldable item in Halo 3 as shown in an animation of an Elite dual wielding them, but this has since proven to be false. In concept art of Halo Wars, an Elite is seen dual wielding Energy Swords. Dual-wielding is confirmed in Halo Wars as the Arbiter is able to use two energy swords, The Arbiter can be seen doing this on the front cover of Halo Wars: Limited Edition.

Visibility
In Halo Wars, Halo: Combat Evolved and Halo 2, Active Camouflage doesn't cover the Energy Sword, resulting in an invisible user holding a very visible sword. In fact, it appears that there is a floating Energy Sword, with distorted air surrounding it. In Halo: Combat Evolved, Stealth Elites with swords do not seem to realize that they are visible. In fact, even when they see you, they will behave as if they were an average Elite charging. Even with the Blind skull activated, the Sword's activation lighting will still appear, giving the user away. However, this results in a glitched outline and the electrical shimmering is still visible. In Halo 3, the sword receives the full effect of the Active Camouflage and does not glow when being taken out while Cloaking or camouflage are active. Compared to other weapons it still takes more time to become fully cloaked. Also in Halo 3, when active camouflage is activated the sword will not make a noise, making the person stealthier. However, the sword's outline can be spotted as a distortion, similar to the user or other weapons.

Character Compatibility

 * Elites
 * Spartans (Halo 2 and Halo 3)
 * Flood Combat Form (Human) Halo 2 and Halo 3
 * Flood Combat Form (Elite) Halo 2 and Halo 3

Trivia

 * The Energy Sword in Halo: Combat Evolved had a fail safe switch that activated when the user released it, causing the sword to dissipate in a blue explosion, leaving the player unable to use it, similar to the Fuel Rod Gun.
 * In the popular machinima series Red vs. Blue, the Energy Sword turns out to be a "key" that will help the gang along in their quest to save the Alien race. Church says, "Maybe it's a sword that just functions like a key in very specific situations," but Caboose conjectures, "Or it's a key all the time and when you stick it in people, it unlocks their death."
 * In 2008, this was to be released by Jasman Toys to go with their other laser tag weapons; the Plasma Pistol and Plasma Rifle. However, its release has been canceled or delayed, due to the very pointy tips of the blade.
 * It was originally going to be usable in Halo: Combat Evolved, but was cut when the game became a First-Person Shooter.
 * In the download Vidoc "Et Tu, Brute?" you can see a Brute Chieftain from Halo 3 wielding an Energy Sword but was taken out of the game, possibly because it is too much of an Elite weapon, as Brutes hardly use Plasma Weapons, focusing instead on more barbaric, but effective, projectile weaponry.
 * It wasn't until the Fourth Age of Discovery that the Elites started using Energy Swords.
 * In the Vidoc "Et Tu, Brute?" prior to the release of Halo 3, an animation of an Elite was shown dual-wielding swords.
 * The Plasma Sword was featured in E3 footage for Halo: Combat Evolved. The sword was seen wielded by Master Chief, but was later dropped.
 * Fable 2: Limited Edition comes with an Energy Sword for in game use, to coincide with the use of the MJOLNIR armor.
 * In the Halo: Graphic Novel, Rtas 'Vadum is seen with two Energy Swords that are shorter and thinner than the regular type. Two possible reasons would be that it may be a different energy weapon, or it could just be the artistic style of the drawing.
 * In Halo 2 and Halo 3, you can make a Silhouette Sword.
 * The sword activation sound is quite similar to the plasma grenade explosion sound in Halo: Combat Evolved.