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{{Status|Canon}}
{{Status|Canon}}
[[File:H3ODST GruntTrio.png|thumb|350px|A trio of Unggoy using plasma pistols.]]
{{Cleanup}}
{{Quote|[The plasma pistol] is the bread and butter of [[Covenant]] small arms—almost as common as the [[MA5 series|MA5]] is with the [[UNSC]]. After [[Solemn Penance|the Covenant Carrier]] jumped there were some areas of [[Mombasa]] where plasma pistols covered the ground like leaves—that maneuver killed a bunch of dudes on both sides.|Anonymous UNSC [[E2-BAG/1/7]] serviceman{{Ref/Site|Id=h3bnet|URL=http://halo.bungie.net/projects/halo3/content.aspx?link=h3plasmapistol|Site=Bungie.net|Page=Type-25 Directed Energy Pistol|D=31|M=01|Y=2021|LocalArchive=Machines, Materiel and Munitions from the Human-Covenant Conflict, 2525 - Present/Plasma pistol}}}}
{{References}}
{{Species infobox
|variant=Flood
|name=Pod infector
|image=[[File:H2A - Flood infection form model.jpg|300px]]
|latin=
|classification=[[Infection form]]
|species=[[Flood]]
|subspecies=
|diet=
|height={{Convert|89.6|cm|ftin|sp=us}}-{{Convert|131.4|cm|ftin|sp=us}}{{Ref/Game|Id=Library|HCEA|Library (feature)|Library|Detail=Infection Form}}
|weight={{Convert|16.8|kg|lb}}-{{Convert|28.6|kg|lb}}{{Ref/Reuse|Library}}
|distinctions=Small, balloon-like creatures with many tentacles for probing.
|lifespan=
|homeworld=
|techlevel=
|notable-person=
|othernames=
|languages=
}}
The '''pod infector''',{{Ref/Game|Id=PLPI|HW2|Phoenix Logs|Detail=Pod Infectors}} also more commonly known as the '''Flood infection form''',{{Ref/Book|Id=enc22|Enc22|Page=406}} is a stage of the virulent [[Flood]] xenoform. It is the most common Flood form and is usually the first forms to be released. It is the primary form for spreading the Flood infection due to its effectiveness compared to mere [[Flood spores]] when deployed in large numbers.{{Ref/Reuse|PLPI}}


'''Plasma pistols''' are a class of single-handed, semi-automatic [[Covenant]] infantry [[Directed-energy weapon|directed-energy]] [[sidearm]] manufactured by [[Assembly Forges]] and [[Iruiru Armory]].{{Ref/Book|Id=osfm|OSFM|187}}{{Ref/Site|Id=waypoint|URL=https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/universe/weapons/plasma-pistol|Site=Halo Waypoint|Page= Universe - Weapons - Plasma Pistol|D=25|M=01|Y=2021|LocalArchive=https://archives.halopedia.org/waypoint/www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/universe/weapons/plasma-pistol.html}} The Covenant and [[Covenant remnants|its remnants]] formally designated the plasma pistol as simply '''pistols''',{{Ref/Book|Id=enc22p291|Enc22|291}}{{Ref/Book|Id=enc22p478|Enc22|478}} while the [[United Nations Space Command]]'s [[Office of Naval Intelligence]] has typically [[Type classification system|type-classified]] encountered plasma pistols under the designation of '''Directed Energy Pistol'''.{{Ref/Book|Id=evg|EVG|143}}{{Ref/Reuse|cf47}} Nicknames for the plasma pistol include '''The Little C''', '''Green''', '''Greenboy''', '''Greenie''', '''P-Pistol''', and  '''PP'''.{{Ref/Book|Id=enc09|Enc09|320}}{{Ref/Book|Id=enc11|Enc11|334}}
==Overview==
===Physical characteristics===
The most commonly encountered infection forms have soft, pod-like bodies with numerous tentacle-like appendages and a frond-like array which acts as the creature's sensory system. Their tendrils are multi-purpose locomotion systems and insidious methods of control.{{Ref/Game|Id=PLIF|HW2|Phoenix Logs|Detail=Infection Forms}}
 
Each tendril ends in nano-scale barbs which can latch onto the target's body and cut through armor or environmental suits. Once the target is compromised, infection forms inject Flood cells to hijack the victim's nervous system. Even if the infection form is quickly removed, Flood cells in the wounds will slowly consume the victim and turn them into quivering, spore-packed blisters. Against unprepared victims the infection form bores into the body, quickly mutating it into a combat form.{{Ref/Reuse|PLIF}}
 
Though barely intelligent on their own, once an infection form infiltrates a sentient creature they turn the victim's cognitive power to the furtherance of Flood goals. Each is an insidious puppeteer, able to sift through memories of any sentient creature to learn of military countermeasures, security access codes, and the location of population centers. This information is then shared with other Flood through their connection with the key minds.{{Ref/Reuse|PLIF}}
 
 
===Function===
Once the parasite can establish a hive it can begin to produce massive numbers of infection forms that spread out in search of new sentients to infect, and non-sapient animals on which to feed. Both ground and airborne infection forms are used as living weapons, hurling themselves at the enemy to overwhelm defenses and assimilate the unprepared.
 
Pods hurl themselves at infantry units, bursting and dealing damage.
It uses its tentacles to attack and infect organisms.{{Ref/Book|Id=enc11|Enc22|Page=180}}
 
Though individually weak and easily killed, pod infectors strike in vast numbers and can move over cliffs.
 
 
Pod infectors are the primary vector for the Flood infection. While small (roughly the size of a [[human]] torso) and weak, they travel in huge swarms and overwhelm foes using sheer numbers. Once within range of a potential host, they leap for the victim's chest area, rasping away at armor, clothing and flesh with their numerous tentacle-like limbs. These appendages penetrate deep into the body, tap into the victim's spinal cord, and unleash an attack on the host's nervous system via direct contact with the spine. Once this is accomplished, the form rewrites the neural pathways of the victim's brain with its tendrils, forcing a resonant frequency match between its neural signals and the host's. At this point, the Pod infector has complete control over the body's motor functions.
 
As the Pod infector hacks into the host's nervous system, it releases encapsulated [[LF.Xx.3273 Flood Super Cell|Flood Super Cells]] into the body. These cells interface with the host's cells, "digest" them and convert their components into new Flood cells. At this point, the Pod infector burrows into the host body, moving aside the internal organs and taking up residence within the chest cavity (or any approximate equivalent). Having achieved total control over the host, the Pod infector reshapes the body into a form more suitable for attacking enemies - a [[Flood combat form|combat form]]. Even if the Pod Infector is quickly removed from the host body, the injection of Flood cells into the host's system is enough to cause rapid transformation into spore-packed [[Flood blister|blisters]].<ref name="Infection Forms">'''Halo Wars 2''', ''[[Phoenix Logs]]'' - Infection Forms</ref>
 
The speed and intensity of this process occurs at the same rate as an energetic chemical reaction, often taking mere seconds to accomplish. The consequences for the host organism are extreme, as their brains are purged of all traces of their original personality and their bodies are reconstituted into Flood biomatter. The organism effectively becomes a pawn of the Flood's collective intelligence, to be used in any way it deems necessary.


==Overview==
In exceedingly rare cases, such as if the Pod infector has been damaged or is incredibly old, it will go through this process without killing the host, leaving them at least partially aware of what is going on, but unable to move or act. This was the fate of UNSC Private [[Wallace A. Jenkins]] during the raid on the "[[Flood containment facility|Covenant weapons cache]]" on [[Installation 04]].<ref>'''[[Halo: The Flood]]''', ''page 176''</ref> This aged version of the Pod infector must have been kept in captivity for far too long, thereby reducing its potential of complete transformation of its host into a Flood combat form. Jenkins survived infection, and even remained conscious, with short periods of time where he could exert control over his mutated body.  
===Design details===
 
[[File:Type-25 DEP interior.jpg|thumb|275px|The interior of a plasma pistol.]]
A Pod infector may abandon its host if the corpse has been heavily damaged, and look for a new one. If the Pod infector inside a combat form has been destroyed, but the combat form itself is intact enough to continue serving its purpose, loose Pod infector may burrow inside the body and take the place of the one that mutated it, effectively "re-animating" the combat form.
{{Quote|It’s just the right size and it feels good in your hands, but give me an [[M7 SMG|em seven]] or an em eh five any day of the week.|Anonymous UNSC E2-BAG/1/7 serviceman{{Ref/Reuse|h3bnet}}}}
With its origins going as far back as the Sangheili society before their encounter with the [[San'Shyuum]],{{Ref/Reuse|enc22p291}} the plasma pistol is a Covenant [[directed-energy weapon]] that was initially reverse-engineered from a [[Forerunner]] device.{{Ref/Reuse|waypoint}} The weapon's success in the field has led to very few change in its design since the earliest models first enter produciton. The weapon is powered by a battery cell. This battery can be recharged using a variety of power sources, including UNSC generators, provided an appropriate adaptor is at hand.{{Ref/Reuse|osfm}} Plasma pistols have a core power output of 100-150 KV at 2~3 dA, but when overcharged, the power output can reach 1.5 MV @ 2~3 dA.{{Ref/Reuse|h3bnet}} The Type-25 DEP is a semi-automatic weapon using a single collimator design that gives the weapon its smooth and aerodynamic, claw like appearance. The Type-25 DEP's functionality is straightforward, the rear section of the pistol has a holographic display which indicates temperature as the weapon is fired—in the center of the holographic display is a small red pad, this pad is the Type-25 DEP's safety and activation mechanism. Before the plasma pistol can be fired the user must place their thumb on the pad, the pistol then activates and can be fired. On the left side is another small red button; this opens the top heating vent and allows access to the weapon's internal components.  


With the dissolution of a centralized manufacturing control—as a result of the [[Great Schism]] and fall of the [[Covenant]]—new production of plasma pistols have appeared in a bewildering variety of casing styles and adornments. Much to the consternation of UNSC intelligence officers tasked with categorizing new plasma pistol variants, within this broad type classification are innumerable, different sub-classes. This is due to the Covenant's loose (by human standards) interpretation of "standardization" and disdain of serial manufacturing techniques.{{Ref/Reuse|waypoint}}
Pod infectors develop from [[Flood tadpole|a form]] vaguely resembling a larva or tadpole but bearing the basic superficial characteristics of a Pod infector. A number of Flood forms in this stage of their life cycle were kept in stasis by the Forerunners in [[Flood research facility|Flood research facilities]], such as the one in the [[Threshold gas mine]].<ref name="onefinaleffort">[http://halo.bungie.net/news/content.aspx?type=topnews&cid=25650 '''Bungie.net''': ''One Final Effort (4/16/2010)'']</ref>


The plasma pistol has two modes of fire, semi-automatic direct and semi-guided area of effect (AOE), also known as "overcharge".{{Ref/Book|h4evg|H4EVG|84}}
While an effective vector of infection against armored and shielded organisms as well as those equipped with atmospheric filters, a Pod infector is not necessary for the Flood to infect a host; merely ingesting [[Flood spore]]s or inserting them via a wound is sufficient to initiate Flood conversion. Such infection may occur several seconds or perhaps minutes later, yet the transformation will occur almost instantaneously once it has begun.<ref>'''Halo Wars''', campaign level ''[[Anders' Signal]]''</ref><ref>'''Halo: Evolutions''' — ''"[[The Mona Lisa]]"''</ref>


===Operation===
=== Effects on host forms===
[[File:HR Grunt&JackalMajors 2.png|thumb|300px|An Unggoy firing the plasma pistol's standard bolts while a Kig-Yar holds a plasma pistol in its overcharge state.]]
[[File:TFS-Likeafrog.png|thumb|A carrier form spawning Pod infectors aboard the {{UNSCShip|Spirit of Fire}} in 2537.|250px]]
====Default firing mode====
While any large life form with some level of awareness and/or sentience can be infected by a Pod infector, not all of them are suitable to serve the function of Combat Forms, the Flood's signature and preferred mobile form utilized during the Feral Stage. While these hosts are transformed in a similar fashion to the traditional combat forms, these forms are not often employed in front line combat for several reasons.
[[File:H3ODST PlasmaPistolBolt.png|thumb|250px|An Unggoy Minor firing his plasma pistol.]]
When rapidly tapping the trigger, the plasma pistol will fire small bolts of plasma. These bolts deal little damage to targets protected by [[Energy shielding|energy shields]], though still more than most bullet weapons. Against unarmored targets, though, the lethality of the Type-25 DEP is extreme. Injuries inflicted to a victim are severe third-degree burns, this level of injury causes the wound to be cauterized instantly upon impact.<ref>'''[[Halo: The Fall of Reach]]''', ''pages 328''</ref> Body fluids would be subjected to flash vaporization, inducing a strain or a shock on the body after impact,<ref>'''[[Halo: The Flood]]''', ''page 22''</ref> fluids trapped in organs or arteries in addition to the rapid expansion of heat would cause ruptures or small explosions causing additional damage to the target. Near misses can also cause injury to the target, as they produce severe burns to the area they pass, this can also cause heat trauma or heat stroke from the extreme temperatures of the bolt.<ref>'''[[Halo: Ghosts of Onyx]]''', ''page 19''</ref><ref name="reach">'''Halo: The Fall of Reach''', ''page 315''</ref> Should the plasma strike cover, the impact can cause splash damage by flinging heated debris, though the blast radius is smaller than most Covenant explosive weapons.<ref>'''[[Halo: The Cole Protocol]]''', ''page 15''</ref>


The semi-auto firing mode can be used until the weapon overheats, after which it must cool down for a few seconds before it can be used again. As the weapon approaches low battery, it may sputter and fail to fire. The [[Hesduros]]-manufactured pistols used by [[Jul 'Mdama]]'s [[Jul 'Mdama's Covenant|forces]] fire more powerful plasma bolts, with a comparable increase in energy use per shot.{{Ref/Reuse|waypoint}}
The first of these would be the fact that such life forms, despite their sophisticated nervous systems and adequate levels of sentience, simply lack the necessary biomass, calcium reserves, and physical strength to make first-choice combat units. More specifically, when a host life form is transformed, the activities of the Pod infector require not only the aforementioned levels of biomass, calcium content, and strength (Though humans become combat forms more often than the much larger and stronger unggoy for whatever reason.) but that the host has the physical endurance and stamina to withstand the process. Species such as humans, Forerunners, Sangheili, and the Jiralhanae are almost always turned into combat forms because their biology and physical properties enable them to withstand the Pod infectors' abilities, which are violent and resource-intensive.


====Overcharge mode====
In contrast, other life forms, such as the [[Kig-Yar]], and perhaps the [[Yanme'e]], lack these important qualities, or in the case of the [[Unggoy]] have other limitations due to their physique despite their perfectly adequate levels of sentience and neural complexity. Because of these factors, these hosts are primarily used for other but equally important purposes. These involve multiple mission profiles that are essential to the development of Flood outgrowth: establishment of mobile incubators, biomass and calcium reserves, hive structures, and the components of a [[Proto-Gravemind|coordinating and controlling intelligence]].
[[File:H2A Beach - Noob Combo.jpg|thumb|250px|An [[Orbital Drop Shock Troopers|ODST]] primes a plasma pistol's overcharge.]]
[[File:HU UnggoyKilledByOvercharge.png|thumb|220px|A trio of [[Unggoy Minor]]s being disintegrated by an overcharged bolt from [[Myras Tyla]]'s plasma pistol.]]
{{Quote|The trigger is soft—no feedback—there’s no break that tells you when the overcharge is gonna kick in. First time I did it was on accident and it damn near sprained my wrist.|Anonymous UNSC E2-BAG/1/7 serviceman{{Ref/Reuse|h3bnet}}}}
{{Quote|How the foxtrot does it track anything? Whatever—I guess that’s why I carry an em eh five instead of a [[TACPAD]].|Anonymous UNSC E2-BAG/1/7 serviceman{{Ref/Reuse|h3bnet}}}}
If the plasma pistol's trigger is held for a few seconds, the plasma at the tip will gather into a large spherical mass. Releasing the trigger will fire a single bolt of larger size than usual. This bolt, if aimed correctly, will track its target for a short distance if they attempt to dodge. The overcharged bolt creates an [[electromagnetic pulse]], stunning most electronics. If the target is protected by energy shields, all but the strongest shields will break, allowing their body to take damage.<ref>'''[[Halo: First Strike]]''', ''page 116''</ref> If the overcharge strikes a vehicle, it will be temporarily disabled and rendered helpless for several seconds. As such, even the weakest Covenant infantry can thwart an assaulting [[SPARTAN programs|Spartan]] or vehicle, forcing their foe to retreat or creating an opening for their allies. Should an overcharged bolt strike an unarmored flesh target, it will result in instant death.<ref>'''Halo: The Flood''', ''page 81''</ref> During the [[Battle of Cleveland]], [[Myras Tyla]], striking an [[Unggoy Minor]] trio with her plasma pistol, disintegrated three Unggoy rapidly from a single overcharged bolt strike.{{Ref/Comic|Id=HUI3|Comic=Halo: Uprising|Issue=[[Halo: Uprising Issue 3|3]]}}


However, after the overcharged bolt is fired, the pistol will automatically overheat. Until it cools down the pistol cannot be fired in this mode, giving an opposing target enough time to counterattack. Using the overcharge frequently will also drain the battery faster than usual.
When utilized for the creation of the hive and the central intelligence, the weaker hosts gather together and merge into single mass or a collection of masses spread around whatever environment the Flood have established themselves in. In this way, the weaker host forms serve as 'building blocks' for the creation of a Flood Hive, which if all goes according to its logical conclusion, will spawn a fully-developed collective and the next stage of the Flood's development: the [[Coordinated Stage]] and its crowning achievement, a [[Gravemind]]. Surrounding life forms such as significantly smaller animals as well as the full range of plants, microbes, lichens, and fungi, are seized by the growing Flood collective and digested as raw material to create more generic Flood biomass.


===Development history===
The next vital use for lesser hosts is to serve as the second signature form of the [[Feral Stage]], the mobile Pod infector incubator known as a Carrier Form. While these are usually formed from weakened, damaged, and/or aged Combat Forms, weaker host forms are just as frequently employed for this purpose. The first step in the creation of a Carrier Form by this method involves a single appropriate host to function as a nucleus, which is then followed by one or more other weaker forms attaching themselves to the leading unit. The congregated hosts then fuse, with the external host forms being rapidly digested by the central form, with the result being that the other hosts have been reduced to extra, generic biomass, contributing to the structure of the now significantly distorted, bloated incubator.<ref>''''[[Halo: The Flood]]'''', ''page 291''</ref>
{{Quote|It’s a damned ray gun—how come we don’t have ray guns?|Anonymous UNSC E2-BAG/1/7 serviceman{{Ref/Reuse|h3bnet}}}}
Reverse-engineered from a Forerunner tool of indeterminate function,{{Ref/Reuse|waypoint}} early plasma pistols, such as the {{Pattern|Zo'klada|plasma pistol}}, were designed and forged by the Sangheili centuries prior to the Covenant's formation. The early plasma pistols were used Sangheili clan warriors during skirmishes on colony worlds. Following the [[Writ of Union]], the San'Shyuum incorporated several design improvements to the plasma pistol, including a less volatile plasma generator core and the addition of overcharge safety restrictors, the latter of which granted the weapon to fire scaled bursts—large sustained expenditures of energy—capable of incapacitating an enemy and disabled power structures or vehicles via an [[electromagnetic pulse]].{{Ref/Reuse|enc22p291}}


===Usage===
While this complex methodology is largely standard procedure for the Flood, there are occasionally exceptions to these rules due to the Flood's adaptive nature. In at least [[Battle of the Trove|one notable campaign]]<ref>'''''Halo Wars'''''</ref> early in the Human-Covenant War, this mode of operation was contradicted by the Flood. The outbreak present on this installation employed Kig-Yar and Unggoy quite frequently as front line combat units despite their inadequate status, and was also distinct from other outbreaks with the fact that it was predominantly formed out of life forms lacking sentience such as plants, fungi, etc., or those possessing lower levels of sentience, such as the wide range of animals living there.
{{Quote|It's great in built-up areas and clearing buildings. Anything over a couple dozen meters though? Not so much.|Anonymous UNSC E2-BAG/1/7 serviceman{{Ref/Reuse|h3bnet}}}}
<gallery>
File:H3ODST PPCollegeBrochure.png|The plasma pistol was employed across different ranks in the lower caste of the Covenant.
</gallery>
The plasma pistol is the standard sidearm for most Covenant infantry.{{Ref/Site|Id=h4guide|URL=https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/intel/inteldetail/e88138bb-9086-41d3-bc01-acd14eb22bfc/plasma-pistol|Site=Halo Waypoint|Page=Halo 4 Interactive Guide - Plasma Pistol|D=01|M=05|Y=2013|LocalArchive=Halo 4 Interactive Guide#Covenant Weapons}}


==Known variants==
=== Immunities and defenses ===
===''Eos'Mak''-pattern plasma pistol===
[[Energy shielding]] destroys Pod infectors on contact, causing them to explode in a small burst of gas and flesh. Conventional body armor is generally ineffective against Pod infectors; they can easily squeeze through gaps in armor plating, and their grasping tentacles can burrow through rubber, fabric or polymer (including MJLONIR MK V undersuits) in order to reach the flesh underneath.  
{{Main|Eos'Mak-pattern plasma pistol}}
The ''Eos'Mak''-pattern plasma pistol was the most common variant of the plasma pistol, often utilized by the frontline infantry like the Unggoy, Kig-Yar, and Yanme'e.{{Ref/Reuse|enc22p291}}{{Ref/Reuse|hcegameplay}}{{Ref/Reuse|h2gameplay}}{{Ref/Reuse|h3gameplay}}{{Ref/Reuse|hrgameplay}}{{Ref/Reuse|h4gameplay}}
<gallery class=center>
File:HReach-PlasmaPistolSide.png|
File:H3-PlasmaPistol.png|
File:PlasmaPistol-H2.png|
File:PlasmaPistol-HaloCE.png
</gallery>


===''Rohakadu''-pattern plasma pistol===
[[Staff Sergeant]] [[Avery Junior Johnson|Avery Johnson]] was thought by Dr. [[Catherine Halsey]] to be incompatible with Flood Pod infectors due to the fictitious "[[Boren's Syndrome]]"<ref>'''[[Halo: First Strike]]''', ''page 244''</ref> — in reality a cover for the augmentations he received as part of the [[ORION Project]].<ref>'''Halo Graphic Novel''', ''[[Halo Graphic Novel, Page 122|page 122]]''</ref> However, it is apparent that Johnson's augmentations did not make him truly immune to the Flood conversion process itself, instead granting him the ability to fight off and escape the parasite more effectively than the baseline humans alongside him.<ref>[https://forums.halowaypoint.com/yaf_postsm2969315_Catalog-Interaction.aspx#post2969315 '''Halo Waypoint''': ''Catalog Interaction - Page 14'' (''"No known biological <nowiki>[scaffolding]</nowiki> augmentation impedes efficacy of parasite conversion process.]"'')</ref><ref name="hgn">'''[[Halo Graphic Novel]]''', ''[[Breaking Quarantine]]''</ref><ref>''See [[Avery Johnson#Notes]]''</ref>
{{Main|Rohakadu-pattern plasma pistol}}
The ''Rohakadu''-pattern plasma pistol was designed and commissioned per [[Let 'Volir]]'s requests under a shadow contract between the Banished and [[Iruiru Armory]]. While functionally and visually similar to its precursor {{Pattern|Zo'klada|plasma pistol}}, it features slight improvements to durability and native-link compatibility.{{Ref/Reuse|enc22p478}}{{Ref/Reuse|hinfgameplay}}
*'''[[Rohakadu-pattern plasma pistol]]''': This variant of the plasma pistol features a display on the back of its upper chassis that corresponds to the crystals protruding from its upper cowling.{{Ref/Reuse|hinfgameplay}}
**'''[[Unbound Plasma Pistol]]''': A modified variant of the plasma pistol with a white chassis that fires faster, stronger bolts. In addition, its scaled burst fires six bolts instead of a single overcharge bolt; the bolts detonate in a "supercombine" explosion if they hit the same target.{{Ref/Game|HINF|Forge - [[Unbound Plasma Pistol]] description|Quote=Bolts detonate when super-combined on target; over-charge increases detonation and tracking.}}
<gallery class=center>
File:HINF PlasmaPistol Crop.png|''Rohakadu''-pattern plasma pistol
File:HINF PlasmaPistol Unbound Crop.png|Unbound Plasma Pistol
</gallery>


===''Zo'klada''-pattern plasma pistol===
The [[Mgalekgolo]]'s lack of a central nervous system and nature as an invertebrate colony consisting of multiple worms likely make them immune to Flood infection.<ref>'''''[[Halo: First Strike]]'''''</ref> The invertebrate nature of the [[Yanme'e]], along with their hard, chitinous exoskeleton, would seem to make them immune as well. However, while their unique physiologies make standard infection difficult, it is likely that the Flood are still capable of consuming and converting Lekgolo and Yanme'e into Flood biomass.
{{Main|Zo'klada-pattern plasma pistol}}
The ''Zo'klada''-pattern plasma pistol, designated by ONI as "Type-54D Directed Energy Pistol",{{Ref/Site|Id=cf47|URL=https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/news/canon-fodder-locke-load|Site=Halo Waypoint|Page=Canon Fodder - Locke & Load|D=2|M=8|Y=2021|LocalArchive=https://archives.halopedia.org/waypoint/www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/news/canon-fodder-locke-load.html}} was one of the original plasma pistol design templates from the Sangheili.{{Ref/Reuse|enc22p291}} Its chassis carries a noticeably bulbous design.{{Ref/Game|Id=h5gameplay|H5G|gameplay}} With the dissolution of the Covenant and the [[San'Shyuum]]'s restrictions over legacy templates, this variant became a common sight in the [[Post-Covenant War conflicts]],{{Ref/Reuse|enc22p291}}{{Ref/Reuse|enc22p478}} particularly in the [[Blooding Years]].{{Ref/Reuse|h5gameplay}}
*'''[[Zo'klada-pattern plasma pistol]]''': This variant of the plasma pistol features a holographic [[Smart scope]] projector on its chassis.{{Ref/Reuse|h5gameplay}}
** '''[[Spitfire]]''': This improved variant has a faster rate of fire and reduced heat generated per shot.{{Ref/Game|Id=spitfire|H5G|[[Spitfire]] [[List of REQ cards#Weapons|REQ card]]|Quote=The skill and finesse of Kig-Yar armorers should be never underestimated. Improved Plasma Pistol with faster rate of fire and reduced heat generated per shot.}}
** '''[[Void's Tear]]''': An advanced variant that fires overcharged shots, which create an unstable gravimetric vortex at the point of impact by superheating exotic nuclear isomer. The vortex pulls in nearby objects before exploding.{{Ref/Game|Id=void|H5G|[[Void's Tear]] REQ card|Quote=Superheating exotic nuclear isomers is pure folly, but it was done with the best of intentions. Advanced Plasma Pistol with overcharged shots that create an unstable gravimetric vortex at point of impact, pulling in nearby objects then exploding.}}
<gallery class=center>
File:H5G-Plasma Pistol.png|''Zo'klada''-pattern plasma pistol
File:H5G Spitfire.png|Spitfire.
File:H5G-VoidsTearclear.png|Void's Tear.
</gallery>


==Non-canon and dubious canon appearances==
===Silver Timeline===
{{Main|Silver Timeline}}
Plasma pistols are used by the Covenant against humanity.{{Ref/YouTube|Id=HTVOT|5KZ3MKraNKY|Paramount+|Halo The Series (2022) Official Trailer|Y=2022|M=1|D=30}}
==Trivia==
==Trivia==
{{Linkbox|gameplay=yes|gallery=yes}}
{{Linkbox|gameplay=yes}}
*The plasma pistol was inspired by the "[[marathongame:Zeus Class Fusion Pistol|Zeus Class Fusion Pistol]]" from the [[Marathon (Video Game Series)|''Marathon'' series]]. Like the Fusion Pistol, the plasma pistol is a reasonable-damage single-shot weapon with an overcharge mode. However, the Fusion Pistol's overcharge was far more deadly in-game and could kill nearly any enemy in the game, with one limitation: if the gun was left overcharged for too long, it would explode violently, killing the wielder.
*In ''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]'', if a Pod infector latches itself onto a Marine or one of the Covenant, instead of mutating the host, it will become irrevocably attached until the host is dead. If at least one Pod infector manages to leap onto an unshielded player in this game, it will deal a noticeable amount of damage (this will increase depending on difficulty and number of Pod infectors attached), fall off, and attempt to strike the player again. This effect on the player also appears in ''Halo 3''.
*In ''Halo: Combat Evolved'', if the player remain idle while wielding a plasma pistol, [[John-117]] will pull the top off the pistol, showing what seems to be a power cell similar to a round of the [[Pez'tk-pattern fuel rod gun|fuel rod gun]]. In ''Halo 3'', the same will happen if the player remain idle for a while; the playable character will flip it open and the player will be able to see the internal mechanisms of the pistol.
*An [[energy sword]] will not lose energy by killing Pod infectors in ''Halo 2'' and ''Halo 3'', but this method is highly ineffective as Pod infectors are extremely hard to hit with an Energy Sword.
*In the PC version of ''Halo: Combat Evolved'', if the player has a modified controller with rapid-fire functionality, they can fire the plasma pistol as fast as the second highest turbo setting, which is as fast as the [[MA5B assault rifle|assault rifle]]. However, it overheats extremely fast.
*Pod infectors do not add points to the player's meta-score when the [[campaign scoring]] is activated in ''Halo 3'' and ''[[Halo: The Master Chief Collection]]''. This is most likely because Pod infectors come in swarms, and could be used to rack up points with almost no effort.
*In ''Halo 3'', it is the only [[dual-wield]]able weapon that does not cause less damage per shot when dual wielded than when single wielded. (26 head/body shots single- or dual-wielded to kill with normal shields; as compared with the [[M6G magnum|M6G]] that takes 5 head or 8 body single-wielded but 7 head or 11 body when dual-wielded).
*Unlike in ''Halo: Combat Evolved'' and ''Halo 2'', the Pod infectors in ''Halo 3'' float in water. Thus, they cannot infect corpses that are in water ponds because of this animation.
*In the ''Halo'' trilogy, if the player's plasma pistol is running low on battery, (less than 10%) when they fire it, then it will occasionally splutter and refuse to fire. This may be due to the fact that the power cell is unable to focus the remaining energy into a ball of plasma.
* In ''Halo Wars'', when Sergeant Forge shoots the Flood Pod infectors that are attacking Professor Anders, they do not pop like all other Pod infectors. Instead, they simply fall lifelessly to the ground.
*In ''Halo 3'', if one looks at their shadow whilst holding a plasma pistol, one may notice a "cap" like protrusion on the back of the gun. This is actually the hologram on the gun that indicates if it is overheated.
*In ''Halo 3'', code exists for a deleted "banger" variant of Pod infector, which would explode like a plasma grenade when destroyed.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R60geSLtnWk '''YouTube:''' ''Halo 3 - Cut Enemy: Flood Infection "Banger"'']</ref>
*In the "[[Another Day at the Beach]]" video from the ''Halo 2'' [[Multiplayer Map Pack]], the ODST [[Butkis]] uses a plasma pistol to take down the shields of an Elite before Gunnery Sergeant [[Stacker]] uses a [[BR55 Battle Rifle|Battle Rifle]] to kill it, effectively using the [[Noob Combo]].
*In ''Halo: Combat Evolved'', Pod infectors are not affected by fall damage, most likely due to the script or slow speed during freefall.
*After killing the [[Prophet of Regret]] on "[[Regret (Halo 2 level)|Regret]]" in ''Halo 2,'' he will drop a plasma pistol. He held the same weapon in ''[[Halo: Contact Harvest]]'', and was rumored to keep it with him at all times in ''[[Halo: The Cole Protocol]]''.
*In ''[[Halo: Contact Harvest]]'', [[Dadab]] notes that the plasma pistol's lowest power setting is an effective source of light, whilst he is leading a group of Grunts in the dark.
*In ''Halo 2 Vista'', it is possible to instantly destroy a {{Pattern|Karo'etba|Ghost}} by aiming an overcharged bolt at the metal flaps on the back of the Ghost's wings.
*If the player overcharges the plasma pistol in ''Halo 3'' and slowly release the trigger, it will not fire a shot. The plasma would slowly dissipate and disappear. This can be used as a way to prevent excess battery depletion when an overcharge shot is fired. The plasma pistol in PC versions cannot do this as the player is using a mouse to control the firing.
*In the [[Halo: Reach Multiplayer Beta|''Halo: Reach'' Multiplayer Beta]], the sound effect for an overcharged blast was the same as when a circuit is hit in ''[[Marathon]]''.
*In [[Halo 2 (Windows Vista)|''Halo 2'' for Windows Vista]], if the player is carrying the plasma pistol and are in [[active camouflage]], one may see a polygon near the front of the weapon. In ''Halo 3'', while using active camouflage, one can see a square where the heat monitor is. This indicates the hologram is a polygon.
*In the "Extras" section of the ''[[Halo 3: The Official Strategy Guide]]'', it is stated incorrectly that the plasma pistol has a clip size of 10/100 when it does not have a clip size at all.
* In [[Wikipedia:Konami|Konami]]'s ''[[Wikipedia:Super Bomberman R|Super Bomberman R]]'', the Plasma Pistol is the weapon and special ability used by the [[Grunt|Grunt Bomber]].


==Gallery==
==Gallery==
==Gallery==
<gallery>
File:H3ODST ChargedPlasmaPistol.png|
File:HR ChargedPlasmaPistol 1.png
File:HR ChargedPlasmaPistol 2.png
File:Model Plasma Pistol.jpg|The plasma pistol as a [[Jasman Toys|Laser Tag Replica]].
File:Homecoming PlasmaPistol Concept.png|Concept art for the Plasma Pistol in ''[[Homecoming]]''.
File:HO-Plasma Pistol.png|The plasma pistol in ''[[Halo Online]]''.
File:HTV-PPpew.jpg|[[Riz-028]] using a T-25 plasma pistol to kill a Sangheili in ''[[Halo: The Television Series]]''.
File:HTV-Reckoning Chief HUD.png|First-person view of [[John-117/Silver|John-117]] using plasma pistol in ''Halo: The Television Series''.
</gallery>
===''Halo: Combat Evolved''===
<gallery>
File:HCE-PlasmaPistol-Screen.jpg|The plasma pistol in ''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]''.
File:PlasmaPistol-HaloCE.png|A profile view of the plasma pistol from ''Halo: Combat Evolved''.
File:HCE-PlasmaPistol-FirstPerson.jpg|First-person view of the plasma pistol in ''Halo: Combat Evolved''.
File:Plasma pistol.png|Views of the plasma pistol in ''Halo: Combat Evolved''.
File:HCE-PlasmaPistol-Overheat.jpg|A plasma pistol overheating in ''Halo: Combat Evolved''.
</gallery>
===''Halo 2''===
<gallery>
File:PlasmaPistol-H2.png|A profile view of the plasma pistol from ''[[Halo 2]]''.
File:Plasma pistol H2.jpg|The plasma pistol in ''Halo 2''.
</gallery>
===''Halo 3''===
<gallery>
File:Plasma Pistol Halo 3.png|The plasma pistol in ''[[Halo 3]]''.
File:H3-PlasmaPistol.png|An in-game profile view of the plasma pistol from ''Halo 3''.
File:74697396-Full.jpg|Dual overcharged plasma pistols in action in ''Halo 3''.
File:H3 PlasmaPistol Overcharge.jpg|The overcharged plasma bolt in ''Halo 3''.
</gallery>
===''Halo: Reach''===
<gallery>
File:HR_PlasmaPistol_Pattern.png|Pattern on the ''[[Halo: Reach]]'' plasma pistol
File:HaloReach - Plasma Pistol.png|A left-facing render of an active plasma pistol from the pre-beta development stage of ''Halo: Reach''.
File:Reach-PlasmaPistol-Right.png|A right-facing render of an active plasma pistol from the pre-beta development stage of ''Halo: Reach''.
File:Reach MPBeta PlasmaPistol.png|A [[Halo: Reach Multiplayer Beta|''Halo: Reach'' beta]] render of an inactive plasma pistol.
File:Ppovercharge.png|A plasma pistol overheating in the ''Halo: Reach'' beta.
File:HReach-PlasmaPistolSide.png|A side preview of the final in-game model of the plasma pistol in ''Halo: Reach''.
File:HR-PlasmaPistolHUD.jpg|First-person view of the plasma pistol in ''Halo: Reach''.
File:HR Type25 study2.jpg|A study of the plasma pistol in ''Halo: Reach''.
File:T25 Bolt Study HR Temp.jpg|A study of the plasma bolt.
</gallery>
===''Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary''===
<gallery>
File:HCEA-PlasmaPistolHUD.png|First-person view of the plasma pistol in ''Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary''.
</gallery>
===''Halo 4''===
<gallery>
File:H4-PlasmaPistol-FirstPerson.jpg|First-person view of the plasma pistol in ''[[Halo 4]]''.
File:Type-25_DEP_interior.jpg|The interior of a plasma pistol in ''Halo 4''.
File:H4-Reference-PlasmaPistol.jpg|Reference model sheet of the plasma pistol in ''Halo 4''.
File:H4-Reference-PlasmaPistol_2.jpg|Reference sheet for the ''Halo 4'' plasma pistol.
File:H4-Render-PlasmaPistol.jpg|Orthographic views of the plasma pistol in ''Halo 4''.
File:H4-T25PlasmaPistol-SideRender.png|Side view of the plasma pistol with default skin in ''Halo 4''.
</gallery>
===''Halo 2: Anniversary''===
<gallery>
File:H2ACP-PlasmaPistolHUD.png|First-person view of the plasma pistol in ''Halo 2: Anniversary'' campaign.
File:H2ACP-PlasmaPistolDualWield.png|First-person view while dual-wielding plasma pistols in ''Halo 2: Anniversary'' campaign.
File:H2AMP-PlasmaPistolHUD.png|First-person view of the plasma pistol in ''Halo 2: Anniversary'' multiplayer.
File:H2AMP-PlasmaPistol.png|A Spartan using a plasma pistol on [[Stonetown]].
File:H2AMP-PlasmaPistolDualWieldHUD.png|First-person view while dual-wielding plasma pistols in ''Halo 2: Anniversary'' multiplayer.
File:H2AMP-PlasmaPistolDualWield.png|A Spartan dual-wielding plasma pistols.
</gallery>
===''Halo 4'' skins===
<gallery>
File:H4-PlasmaPistol-Skin.png|FCT(Fracture) Skin.
File:H4-PlasmaPistol-SteelSkin.png|BPL(Boilerplate) Skin.
</gallery>
===Halo Online variants===
<gallery>
<gallery>
File:PPistolOnline.jpeg|The basic Plasma Pistol in Halo Online on [[Diamondback]].
File:HCE_InfectionForm_Concept.jpg|Concept art of a Pod Infector from ''Halo: Combat Evolved''.
File:PPistolOnlinePower.jpeg|The golden Power Plasma Pistol in Halo Online on Diamondback.
File:Flood3.jpg|Flood Pod infector in ''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]''.
File:HCE Flood Infection Form.png|In-game view of a Flood Pod infector in ''Halo: Combat Evolved''.
File:HCE Infectionforms.jpg|The Master Chief watches as Pod infectors prepare to consume a dead Elite and a dead Grunt.
File:H2 Flood Infection Form.png|A Pod infector in the [[Threshold gas mine]] in ''[[Halo 2]]''.
File:H2_PodInfector_Closeup.jpg|A Pod infector in ''Halo 2''.
File:HTMCC Avatar InfectionForm.png|Render of the ''Halo 2'' Pod infector in ''[[Halo: The Master Chief Collection]]''.
File:InfectionForm Profile.jpg|Pod infectors in ''[[Halo 3]]''.
File:Flood infection form in HaloWars.jpg|A Pod infector in ''[[Halo Wars]]''.
File:Anders Flood.png|Pod infectors assaulting [[Ellen Anders|Professor Anders]].
File:HW PodInfector Blur Render.jpg|A render of the pod infector asset created for ''Halo Wars''{{'}} cutscenes.
File:Infectionformpet.png|A pet Flood Pod infector which can be purchased as a feature for any Xbox 360 Avatar.
File:Floodsuit.png|An [[Avatar (Xbox 360)|Xbox 360 Avatar]] customized with a Flood Pod infector suit.
File:HTMCC-H4 Terminals LibrarianAtWork.png|The [[Librarian]] investigating a Flood Pod infector in ''[[Halo 4]]''<nowiki>'s</nowiki> [[Terminal (Halo 4)|terminals]].
File:Flood infector Spirit of Fire.jpg|A Flood Pod infector inside the {{UNSCShip|Spirit of Fire}}'s cryo-room in ''[[Halo: Escalation]]''.
File:HSA Flood mode.jpg|Flood Pod infectors in ''[[Halo: Spartan Assault]]''.
File:MercyFlood.jpg|A Pod infector attacks the Prophet of Mercy, eventually killing him.
File:TFS-Krunch.png|Jerome-092 destroying a Pod infector in a single punch in ''[[Something has Happened]]''.
File:HW2 - Flood infection form models.jpg|Models of the Pod infector for ''[[Halo Wars 2]]''.
File:HW2 - Flood infection form.jpg|More detailed models.
File:HW2_InfectorTidalWave_Concept.jpg|Banished forces succumbing to a tidal wave of Pod infectors.
File:HW2-SpikedInfectionform.jpg|A Pod infector killed by a Banished Jiralhanae's Spiker in ''Halo Wars 2''.
File:HW2-Squish.gif|Atriox crushes a Pod infector.
File:HOD-InfectionForm.jpg|An infection form at [[Outpost Discovery]].
File:HINF Unknown Cylix Scan.png|A Pod infector trapped in a [[Cylix]] on [[Installation 07]] in ''[[Halo Infinite]]''.
File:HINF - Charm icon - Infection charm.png|A Pod infector weapon charm in ''Halo Infinite''.
</gallery>
</gallery>


==List of appearances==
==List of appearances==
{{Col-begin}}
{{Col-begin}}
{{Col-2}}
{{col-2}}
*''[[Halo: The Fall of Reach]]'' {{1st}}
*''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]'' {{1st}}
*''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]''
*''[[Halo: The Flood]]''
*''[[Halo: The Flood]]''
*''[[Halo: First Strike]]''
*''[[Halo: First Strike]]'' {{Mo}}
*''[[Halo 2]]''
*''[[Halo 2]]''
**''[[Conversations from the Universe]]'' {{Mo}}
*''[[Halo Graphic Novel]]''
*''[[Halo Graphic Novel]]''
**''[[The Last Voyage of the Infinite Succor]]''
**''[[Breaking Quarantine]]''
*''[[Halo: Ghosts of Onyx]]''
*''[[Halo: Uprising]]''
*''[[Halo 3]]''
*''[[Halo 3]]''
*''[[Halo: Contact Harvest]]''
*''[[Halo: The Cole Protocol]]''
*''[[Halo Wars: Genesis]]''
*''[[Halo Wars]]''
*''[[Halo Wars]]''
*''[[Halo: Helljumper]]''
*''[[Halo 3: ODST]]'' {{MCCo}}
*''[[Halo 3: ODST]]''
*''[[Halo Legends]]''
*''[[Halo Legends]]''
**''[[The Duel]]''
**''[[Homecoming]]''
**''[[Origins]]''
**''[[Origins]]''
**''[[Prototype]]''
{{col-2}}
**''[[The Package (animated short)|The Package]]''
*''[[Halo: Evolutions]]''
*''[[Halo: Evolutions - Essential Tales of the Halo Universe]]''
**''[[The Mona Lisa]]''
*''[[Halo: Blood Line]]''
*''[[Halo: Reach]]''
*''[[Halo: Fall of Reach]]''
**''[[Halo: Fall of Reach - Covenant|Covenant]]''
**''[[Halo: Fall of Reach - Invasion|Invasion]]''
*''[[Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary]]''
*''[[Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary]]''
**''[[Terminal (Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary)|Terminals]]''
{{Col-2}}
*''[[Halo: The Thursday War]]''
*''[[Halo 4]]''
*''[[Halo 4]]''
**''[[Spartan Ops]]''
**''[[Terminal (Halo 4)|Terminals]]''
*''[[Halo: Spartan Assault]]''
*''[[Halo: Spartan Assault]]'' {{C|Simulation-only}}
*''[[Halo: Initiation]]''
*''[[Halo: Escalation]]''
*''[[Halo: Escalation]]''
*''[[Halo: Mortal Dictata]]''
*''[[Halo: Broken Circle]]''
*''[[Halo 2: Anniversary]]''
*''[[Halo 2: Anniversary]]''
**''[[Terminal (Halo 2: Anniversary)|Terminals]]''
*''[[Halo Mythos: A Guide to the Story of Halo]]''
*''[[Halo: Spartan Strike]]''
*''[[Halo: Tales from Slipspace]]''
*''[[Halo: The Fall of Reach - The Animated Series]]''
**''[[Something Has Happened]]''
*''[[Halo: Shadow of Intent]]''
*''[[Halo: Ground Command]]''
*''[[Halo Mythos]]''
*''[[Halo: Fractures]]''
**''[[Breaking Strain]]''
*''[[Halo Wars 2]]''
*''[[Halo Wars 2]]''
*''[[Halo: Envoy]]''
*''[[Halo: Retribution]]''
*''[[Halo: Recruit]]'' {{C|Non-canonical appearance}}
*''[[Halo: Fireteam Raven]]''
*''[[Halo: Fireteam Raven]]''
*''[[Halo: Silent Storm]]''
*''[[Halo: Outpost Discovery]]''
*''[[Halo: Official Spartan Field Manual]]''
*''[[Halo Infinite]]''
*''[[Halo: Lone Wolf]]''
{{col-end}}
*''[[Halo: Meridian Divide]]''
*''[[Halo: Shadows of Reach]]''
*''[[Halo: Divine Wind]]''
*''[[Halo: The Television Series]]''
**''[[Contact]]''
**''[[Homecoming (TV Series)|Homecoming]]''
**''[[Reckoning]]''
**''[[Transcendence]]''
{{Col-end}}


==Sources==
==Sources==
{{Ref/Sources}}
{{Ref/Sources}}


{{Covenant sidearms}}
{{Flood}}
[[Category:Covenant infantry weapons]]
[[Category:Flood forms]]
[[Category:Infantry plasma weapons]]

Revision as of 05:28, May 17, 2024

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Pod infector
H2A - Flood infection form model.jpg
Biological overview

Classification:

Infection form

Species:

Flood

Physical information

Avg. height:

89.6 centimeters (2 ft 11.3 in)-131.4 centimeters (4 ft 3.7 in)[1]

Avg. weight:

16.8 kilograms (37 lb)-28.6 kilograms (63 lb)[1]

Distinctions:

Small, balloon-like creatures with many tentacles for probing.

 

The pod infector,[2] also more commonly known as the Flood infection form,[3] is a stage of the virulent Flood xenoform. It is the most common Flood form and is usually the first forms to be released. It is the primary form for spreading the Flood infection due to its effectiveness compared to mere Flood spores when deployed in large numbers.[2]

Overview

Physical characteristics

The most commonly encountered infection forms have soft, pod-like bodies with numerous tentacle-like appendages and a frond-like array which acts as the creature's sensory system. Their tendrils are multi-purpose locomotion systems and insidious methods of control.[4]

Each tendril ends in nano-scale barbs which can latch onto the target's body and cut through armor or environmental suits. Once the target is compromised, infection forms inject Flood cells to hijack the victim's nervous system. Even if the infection form is quickly removed, Flood cells in the wounds will slowly consume the victim and turn them into quivering, spore-packed blisters. Against unprepared victims the infection form bores into the body, quickly mutating it into a combat form.[4]

Though barely intelligent on their own, once an infection form infiltrates a sentient creature they turn the victim's cognitive power to the furtherance of Flood goals. Each is an insidious puppeteer, able to sift through memories of any sentient creature to learn of military countermeasures, security access codes, and the location of population centers. This information is then shared with other Flood through their connection with the key minds.[4]


Function

Once the parasite can establish a hive it can begin to produce massive numbers of infection forms that spread out in search of new sentients to infect, and non-sapient animals on which to feed. Both ground and airborne infection forms are used as living weapons, hurling themselves at the enemy to overwhelm defenses and assimilate the unprepared.

Pods hurl themselves at infantry units, bursting and dealing damage. It uses its tentacles to attack and infect organisms.[5]

Though individually weak and easily killed, pod infectors strike in vast numbers and can move over cliffs.


Pod infectors are the primary vector for the Flood infection. While small (roughly the size of a human torso) and weak, they travel in huge swarms and overwhelm foes using sheer numbers. Once within range of a potential host, they leap for the victim's chest area, rasping away at armor, clothing and flesh with their numerous tentacle-like limbs. These appendages penetrate deep into the body, tap into the victim's spinal cord, and unleash an attack on the host's nervous system via direct contact with the spine. Once this is accomplished, the form rewrites the neural pathways of the victim's brain with its tendrils, forcing a resonant frequency match between its neural signals and the host's. At this point, the Pod infector has complete control over the body's motor functions.

As the Pod infector hacks into the host's nervous system, it releases encapsulated Flood Super Cells into the body. These cells interface with the host's cells, "digest" them and convert their components into new Flood cells. At this point, the Pod infector burrows into the host body, moving aside the internal organs and taking up residence within the chest cavity (or any approximate equivalent). Having achieved total control over the host, the Pod infector reshapes the body into a form more suitable for attacking enemies - a combat form. Even if the Pod Infector is quickly removed from the host body, the injection of Flood cells into the host's system is enough to cause rapid transformation into spore-packed blisters.[6]

The speed and intensity of this process occurs at the same rate as an energetic chemical reaction, often taking mere seconds to accomplish. The consequences for the host organism are extreme, as their brains are purged of all traces of their original personality and their bodies are reconstituted into Flood biomatter. The organism effectively becomes a pawn of the Flood's collective intelligence, to be used in any way it deems necessary.

In exceedingly rare cases, such as if the Pod infector has been damaged or is incredibly old, it will go through this process without killing the host, leaving them at least partially aware of what is going on, but unable to move or act. This was the fate of UNSC Private Wallace A. Jenkins during the raid on the "Covenant weapons cache" on Installation 04.[7] This aged version of the Pod infector must have been kept in captivity for far too long, thereby reducing its potential of complete transformation of its host into a Flood combat form. Jenkins survived infection, and even remained conscious, with short periods of time where he could exert control over his mutated body.

A Pod infector may abandon its host if the corpse has been heavily damaged, and look for a new one. If the Pod infector inside a combat form has been destroyed, but the combat form itself is intact enough to continue serving its purpose, loose Pod infector may burrow inside the body and take the place of the one that mutated it, effectively "re-animating" the combat form.

Pod infectors develop from a form vaguely resembling a larva or tadpole but bearing the basic superficial characteristics of a Pod infector. A number of Flood forms in this stage of their life cycle were kept in stasis by the Forerunners in Flood research facilities, such as the one in the Threshold gas mine.[8]

While an effective vector of infection against armored and shielded organisms as well as those equipped with atmospheric filters, a Pod infector is not necessary for the Flood to infect a host; merely ingesting Flood spores or inserting them via a wound is sufficient to initiate Flood conversion. Such infection may occur several seconds or perhaps minutes later, yet the transformation will occur almost instantaneously once it has begun.[9][10]

Effects on host forms

A carrier form spawning Pod infectors aboard the UNSC Spirit of Fire in 2537.

While any large life form with some level of awareness and/or sentience can be infected by a Pod infector, not all of them are suitable to serve the function of Combat Forms, the Flood's signature and preferred mobile form utilized during the Feral Stage. While these hosts are transformed in a similar fashion to the traditional combat forms, these forms are not often employed in front line combat for several reasons.

The first of these would be the fact that such life forms, despite their sophisticated nervous systems and adequate levels of sentience, simply lack the necessary biomass, calcium reserves, and physical strength to make first-choice combat units. More specifically, when a host life form is transformed, the activities of the Pod infector require not only the aforementioned levels of biomass, calcium content, and strength (Though humans become combat forms more often than the much larger and stronger unggoy for whatever reason.) but that the host has the physical endurance and stamina to withstand the process. Species such as humans, Forerunners, Sangheili, and the Jiralhanae are almost always turned into combat forms because their biology and physical properties enable them to withstand the Pod infectors' abilities, which are violent and resource-intensive.

In contrast, other life forms, such as the Kig-Yar, and perhaps the Yanme'e, lack these important qualities, or in the case of the Unggoy have other limitations due to their physique despite their perfectly adequate levels of sentience and neural complexity. Because of these factors, these hosts are primarily used for other but equally important purposes. These involve multiple mission profiles that are essential to the development of Flood outgrowth: establishment of mobile incubators, biomass and calcium reserves, hive structures, and the components of a coordinating and controlling intelligence.

When utilized for the creation of the hive and the central intelligence, the weaker hosts gather together and merge into single mass or a collection of masses spread around whatever environment the Flood have established themselves in. In this way, the weaker host forms serve as 'building blocks' for the creation of a Flood Hive, which if all goes according to its logical conclusion, will spawn a fully-developed collective and the next stage of the Flood's development: the Coordinated Stage and its crowning achievement, a Gravemind. Surrounding life forms such as significantly smaller animals as well as the full range of plants, microbes, lichens, and fungi, are seized by the growing Flood collective and digested as raw material to create more generic Flood biomass.

The next vital use for lesser hosts is to serve as the second signature form of the Feral Stage, the mobile Pod infector incubator known as a Carrier Form. While these are usually formed from weakened, damaged, and/or aged Combat Forms, weaker host forms are just as frequently employed for this purpose. The first step in the creation of a Carrier Form by this method involves a single appropriate host to function as a nucleus, which is then followed by one or more other weaker forms attaching themselves to the leading unit. The congregated hosts then fuse, with the external host forms being rapidly digested by the central form, with the result being that the other hosts have been reduced to extra, generic biomass, contributing to the structure of the now significantly distorted, bloated incubator.[11]

While this complex methodology is largely standard procedure for the Flood, there are occasionally exceptions to these rules due to the Flood's adaptive nature. In at least one notable campaign[12] early in the Human-Covenant War, this mode of operation was contradicted by the Flood. The outbreak present on this installation employed Kig-Yar and Unggoy quite frequently as front line combat units despite their inadequate status, and was also distinct from other outbreaks with the fact that it was predominantly formed out of life forms lacking sentience such as plants, fungi, etc., or those possessing lower levels of sentience, such as the wide range of animals living there.

Immunities and defenses

Energy shielding destroys Pod infectors on contact, causing them to explode in a small burst of gas and flesh. Conventional body armor is generally ineffective against Pod infectors; they can easily squeeze through gaps in armor plating, and their grasping tentacles can burrow through rubber, fabric or polymer (including MJLONIR MK V undersuits) in order to reach the flesh underneath.

Staff Sergeant Avery Johnson was thought by Dr. Catherine Halsey to be incompatible with Flood Pod infectors due to the fictitious "Boren's Syndrome"[13] — in reality a cover for the augmentations he received as part of the ORION Project.[14] However, it is apparent that Johnson's augmentations did not make him truly immune to the Flood conversion process itself, instead granting him the ability to fight off and escape the parasite more effectively than the baseline humans alongside him.[15][16][17]

The Mgalekgolo's lack of a central nervous system and nature as an invertebrate colony consisting of multiple worms likely make them immune to Flood infection.[18] The invertebrate nature of the Yanme'e, along with their hard, chitinous exoskeleton, would seem to make them immune as well. However, while their unique physiologies make standard infection difficult, it is likely that the Flood are still capable of consuming and converting Lekgolo and Yanme'e into Flood biomass.

Trivia

Main-Legendary.png See our gameplay information related to JackVibe/Sandbox on its gameplay page.
  • In Halo: Combat Evolved, if a Pod infector latches itself onto a Marine or one of the Covenant, instead of mutating the host, it will become irrevocably attached until the host is dead. If at least one Pod infector manages to leap onto an unshielded player in this game, it will deal a noticeable amount of damage (this will increase depending on difficulty and number of Pod infectors attached), fall off, and attempt to strike the player again. This effect on the player also appears in Halo 3.
  • An energy sword will not lose energy by killing Pod infectors in Halo 2 and Halo 3, but this method is highly ineffective as Pod infectors are extremely hard to hit with an Energy Sword.
  • Pod infectors do not add points to the player's meta-score when the campaign scoring is activated in Halo 3 and Halo: The Master Chief Collection. This is most likely because Pod infectors come in swarms, and could be used to rack up points with almost no effort.
  • Unlike in Halo: Combat Evolved and Halo 2, the Pod infectors in Halo 3 float in water. Thus, they cannot infect corpses that are in water ponds because of this animation.
  • In Halo Wars, when Sergeant Forge shoots the Flood Pod infectors that are attacking Professor Anders, they do not pop like all other Pod infectors. Instead, they simply fall lifelessly to the ground.
  • In Halo 3, code exists for a deleted "banger" variant of Pod infector, which would explode like a plasma grenade when destroyed.[19]
  • In Halo: Combat Evolved, Pod infectors are not affected by fall damage, most likely due to the script or slow speed during freefall.

Gallery

  • Concept art of a Pod Infector from Halo: Combat Evolved.

    Concept art of a Pod Infector from Halo: Combat Evolved.

  • Flood Pod infector in Halo: Combat Evolved.

    Flood Pod infector in Halo: Combat Evolved.

  • In-game view of a Flood Pod infector in Halo: Combat Evolved.

    In-game view of a Flood Pod infector in Halo: Combat Evolved.

  • The Master Chief watches as Pod infectors prepare to consume a dead Elite and a dead Grunt.

    The Master Chief watches as Pod infectors prepare to consume a dead Elite and a dead Grunt.

  • A Pod infector in the Threshold gas mine in Halo 2.

    A Pod infector in the Threshold gas mine in Halo 2.

  • A Pod infector in Halo 2.

    A Pod infector in Halo 2.

  • Render of the Halo 2 Pod infector in Halo: The Master Chief Collection.

    Render of the Halo 2 Pod infector in Halo: The Master Chief Collection.

  • Pod infectors in Halo 3.

    Pod infectors in Halo 3.

  • A Pod infector in Halo Wars.

    A Pod infector in Halo Wars.

  • Pod infectors assaulting Professor Anders.

    Pod infectors assaulting Professor Anders.

  • A render of the pod infector asset created for Halo Wars' cutscenes.

    A render of the pod infector asset created for Halo Wars' cutscenes.

  • A pet Flood Pod infector which can be purchased as a feature for any Xbox 360 Avatar.

    A pet Flood Pod infector which can be purchased as a feature for any Xbox 360 Avatar.

  • An Xbox 360 Avatar customized with a Flood Pod infector suit.

    An Xbox 360 Avatar customized with a Flood Pod infector suit.

  • The Librarian investigating a Flood Pod infector in Halo 4's terminals.

    The Librarian investigating a Flood Pod infector in Halo 4's terminals.

  • A Flood Pod infector inside the UNSC Spirit of Fire's cryo-room in Halo: Escalation.

    A Flood Pod infector inside the UNSC Spirit of Fire's cryo-room in Halo: Escalation.

  • Flood Pod infectors in Halo: Spartan Assault.

    Flood Pod infectors in Halo: Spartan Assault.

  • A Pod infector attacks the Prophet of Mercy, eventually killing him.

    A Pod infector attacks the Prophet of Mercy, eventually killing him.

  • Jerome-092 destroying a Pod infector in a single punch in Something has Happened.

    Jerome-092 destroying a Pod infector in a single punch in Something has Happened.

  • Models of the Pod infector for Halo Wars 2.

    Models of the Pod infector for Halo Wars 2.

  • More detailed models.

    More detailed models.

  • Banished forces succumbing to a tidal wave of Pod infectors.

    Banished forces succumbing to a tidal wave of Pod infectors.

  • A Pod infector killed by a Banished Jiralhanae's Spiker in Halo Wars 2.

    A Pod infector killed by a Banished Jiralhanae's Spiker in Halo Wars 2.

  • Atriox crushes a Pod infector.

    Atriox crushes a Pod infector.

  • An infection form at Outpost Discovery.

    An infection form at Outpost Discovery.

  • A Pod infector trapped in a Cylix on Installation 07 in Halo Infinite.

    A Pod infector trapped in a Cylix on Installation 07 in Halo Infinite.

  • A Pod infector weapon charm in Halo Infinite.

    A Pod infector weapon charm in Halo Infinite.

List of appearances

Sources

  1. ^ a b Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary, Library: Infection Form
  2. ^ a b Halo Wars 2, Phoenix Logs: Pod Infectors
  3. ^ Halo Encyclopedia (2022 edition), page 406
  4. ^ a b c Halo Wars 2, Phoenix Logs: Infection Forms
  5. ^ Halo Encyclopedia (2022 edition), page 180
  6. ^ Halo Wars 2, Phoenix Logs - Infection Forms
  7. ^ Halo: The Flood, page 176
  8. ^ Bungie.net: One Final Effort (4/16/2010)
  9. ^ Halo Wars, campaign level Anders' Signal
  10. ^ Halo: Evolutions — "The Mona Lisa"
  11. ^ 'Halo: The Flood', page 291
  12. ^ Halo Wars
  13. ^ Halo: First Strike, page 244
  14. ^ Halo Graphic Novel, page 122
  15. ^ Halo Waypoint: Catalog Interaction - Page 14 ("No known biological [scaffolding] augmentation impedes efficacy of parasite conversion process.")
  16. ^ Halo Graphic Novel, Breaking Quarantine
  17. ^ See Avery Johnson#Notes
  18. ^ Halo: First Strike
  19. ^ YouTube: Halo 3 - Cut Enemy: Flood Infection "Banger"

v • d • e
 
Known Flood forms
Regular Spore • Pod • Seeder • Tadpole • Dispersal pod
Growths Stalk • Blister
Other Flood Super Cell (FSC)
Infected
Structures
Hives Hive • Den • Nest • Colony • Spore Mound • Cocooned base • Blightlands
Defensive Launcher • Root
Other Porta • Vent
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