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Gravity hammer (fiction): Difference between revisions

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The '''Type-2 Energy Weapon/Hammer''' ('''T2 EW/H'''), more commonly known as the '''gravity hammer''', is a powerful, close-quarters, two-handed melee weapon used by the [[Jiralhanae]].<ref name="b.net">[http://halo.bungie.net/projects/reach/article.aspx?ucc=ordnance&cid=25447 '''Bungie.net''': ''Halo: Reach Ordnance Page'']</ref><ref name="Waypoint">[http://halo.xbox.com/en-us/intel/theuniverse/tech/gallery/gravity-hammer/b07cc7d2-5a48-4d74-bfca-cacc34677754 '''Halo Waypoint:''' ''Gravity Hammer''] (defunct, backup on [https://web.archive.org/web/20110314221744/http://halo.xbox.com/en-us/intel/theuniverse/tech/gallery/gravity-hammer/b07cc7d2-5a48-4d74-bfca-cacc34677754 Archive.org])</ref>
The '''Type-2 Energy Weapon/Hammer''' ('''T2 EW/H'''), more commonly known as the '''gravity hammer''', is a powerful, close-quarters, two-handed melee weapon used by the [[Jiralhanae]].<ref name="b.net">[http://halo.bungie.net/projects/reach/article.aspx?ucc=ordnance&cid=25447 '''Bungie.net''': ''Halo: Reach Ordnance Page'']</ref><ref name="Waypoint">[http://halo.xbox.com/en-us/intel/theuniverse/tech/gallery/gravity-hammer/b07cc7d2-5a48-4d74-bfca-cacc34677754 '''Halo Waypoint:''' ''Gravity Hammer''] (defunct, backup on [https://web.archive.org/web/20110314221744/http://halo.xbox.com/en-us/intel/theuniverse/tech/gallery/gravity-hammer/b07cc7d2-5a48-4d74-bfca-cacc34677754 Archive.org])</ref>


==Overview==
== Overview ==
===Background===
=== Background ===
The gravity hammers evolved from traditional war hammers wielded by [[Jiralhanae]] [[Jiralhanae War Chieftain|war chieftains]],<ref name="universe"/> which were a major focus of the Jiralhanae's barbaric culture, as it serves as the ultimate symbol of [[clan]] leadership in addition to being a powerful weapon. The ceremonial hammer of a pack or a clan is only passed to another Jiralhanae if he can best his chieftain in ceremonial combat; the mantle of leadership passes along with the weapon.<ref name="Waypoint"/> The wielder of the weapon was expected to treat their gravity hammer with great care.<ref>'''[[Halo: Contact Harvest]]''', ''page 258''</ref>
The gravity hammers evolved from traditional war hammers wielded by [[Jiralhanae]] [[Jiralhanae War Chieftain|war chieftains]],<ref name="universe"/> which were a major focus of the Jiralhanae's barbaric culture, as it serves as the ultimate symbol of [[clan]] leadership in addition to being a powerful weapon. The ceremonial hammer of a pack or a clan is only passed to another Jiralhanae if he can best his chieftain in ceremonial combat; the mantle of leadership passes along with the weapon.<ref name="Waypoint"/> The wielder of the weapon was expected to treat their gravity hammer with great care.<ref>'''[[Halo: Contact Harvest]]''', ''page 258''</ref>


When the Jiralhanae were incorporated into the [[Covenant]], advanced Covenant technologies were adapted by the Jiralhanae and applied to their war hammers. After [[Tartarus]]' rise to power, many war hammers of chieftains were commissioned into the contemporary gravity hammer, with components of the ancestral hammers incorporated when possible.<ref name="universe"/>
When the Jiralhanae were incorporated into the [[Covenant]], advanced Covenant technologies were adapted by the Jiralhanae and applied to their war hammers. After [[Tartarus]]' rise to power, many war hammers of chieftains were commissioned into the contemporary gravity hammer, with components of the ancestral hammers incorporated when possible.<ref name="universe"/>


===Design===
=== Design ===
Though gravity hammers used by Jiralhanae serving in the [[Covenant military]] tend to follow a standard design, not all are functionally or aesthetically identical; gravity hammers are often tailored to suit the desires of specific clans, families, or packs.<ref name="Waypoint"/> The first gravity hammer and the template for the standardized weapons of this type was the [[Fist of Rukt]], an ancestral war hammer of [[Maccabeus' clan]] which was upgraded with Covenant gravity technology after Tartarus was appointed the [[Chieftain of the Jiralhanae]] in the Covenant.<ref name="waypointarticle">[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/universe/weapons/fist-of-rukt '''Halo Waypoint''': ''Fist of Rukt'']</ref>
Though gravity hammers used by Jiralhanae serving in the [[Covenant military]] tend to follow a standard design, not all are functionally or aesthetically identical; gravity hammers are often tailored to suit the desires of specific clans, families, or packs.<ref name="Waypoint"/> The first gravity hammer and the template for the standardized weapons of this type was the [[Fist of Rukt]], an ancestral war hammer of [[Maccabeus' clan]] which was upgraded with Covenant gravity technology after Tartarus was appointed the [[Chieftain of the Jiralhanae]] in the Covenant.<ref name="waypointarticle">[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/universe/weapons/fist-of-rukt '''Halo Waypoint''': ''Fist of Rukt'']</ref>


Though individual gravity hammers are crafted differently, the design of the standard Type-2 EW/H is rather simple, being composed of a long haft and a heavy head with a tungsten-alloy blade on the reverse end. Within the head is a short-range shock-field-generating gravity drive<ref name="Halo 4 Guide"/> that uses gravity impellers<ref>[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/community/blog-posts/canon-fodder-storm-surge '''Halo Waypoint''': ''Canon Fodder - Storm Surge'']</ref> that are often re-purposed from other technology<ref>[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/games/halo-5-guardians/updates/Hammer-Storm '''Halo Waypoint: Hammer Storm''': ''Gravity hammer'']</ref> to emit a kinetic pulse around 4.5 meters outward; this device was added to the weapon shortly after the Jiralhanae's incorporation into the Covenant in [[2492]].<ref name="b.net"/><ref name="Waypoint"/> This device can displace gravity in targeted locations and manipulate localized energy fields,<ref name="Halo 4 Guide"/> though the Jiralhanae's brutal nature means that they often prefer to use the weapon in melee combat.<ref name="Waypoint"/> This allows the ability to pull a target towards that wielded or push it away as well as even create a vortex which pulls things in and then detonates the vortex to push things out.<ref>'''Halo Wars'''</ref><ref>'''Halo 2''', campaign level ''[[The Oracle]]''</ref><ref>'''Halo 2''', campaign level ''[[Quarantine Zone (level)|Quarantine Zone]]''</ref><ref>'''Halo 2''', campaign level ''[[The Great Journey]]''</ref> The exact mechanism by which it functions is currently under investigation by the [[United Nations Space Command|UNSC]].<ref name="b.net"/>
Though individual gravity hammers are crafted differently, the design of the standard Type-2 EW/H is rather simple, being composed of a long haft and a heavy head with a tungsten-alloy blade on the reverse end. Within the head is a short-range shock-field-generating gravity drive<ref name="Halo 4 Guide"/> that uses gravity impellers<ref>[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/community/blog-posts/canon-fodder-storm-surge '''Halo Waypoint''': ''Canon Fodder - Storm Surge'']</ref> that are often re-purposed from other technology<ref>[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/games/halo-5-guardians/updates/Hammer-Storm '''Halo Waypoint: Hammer Storm''': ''Gravity hammer'']</ref> to emit a kinetic pulse around 4.5 meters outward; this device was added to the weapon shortly after the Jiralhanae's incorporation into the Covenant in [[2492]].<ref name="b.net"/><ref name="Waypoint"/> This device can displace gravity in targeted locations and manipulate localized energy fields,<ref name="Halo 4 Guide"/> though the Jiralhanae's brutal nature means that they often prefer to use the weapon in melee combat.<ref name="Waypoint"/> This allows the ability to pull a target towards that wielded or push it away as well as even create a vortex which pulls things in and then detonates the vortex to push things out.<ref>'''Halo Wars'''</ref><ref>'''Halo 2''', campaign level ''[[The Oracle]]''</ref><ref>'''Halo 2''', campaign level ''[[Quarantine Zone (level)|Quarantine Zone]]''</ref><ref>'''Halo 2''', campaign level ''[[The Great Journey]]''</ref> The exact mechanism by which it functions is currently under investigation by the [[United Nations Space Command|UNSC]].<ref name="b.net"/>


==Variants==
== Variants ==
*'''Corpsemaker''': Made of the finest materials its creator could coerce or steal from raider lairs on [[Warial]] and [[Teash]]. Improved Gravity Hammer with faster swing time and additional energy capacity.<ref name="nofake">[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/community/blog-posts/canon-fodder-no-joke '''Halo Waypoint''' - ''Canon Fodder: No Joke'']</ref>
* '''Corpsemaker''': Made of the finest materials its creator could coerce or steal from raider lairs on [[Warial]] and [[Teash]]. Improved Gravity Hammer with faster swing time and additional energy capacity.<ref name="nofake">[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/community/blog-posts/canon-fodder-no-joke '''Halo Waypoint''' - ''Canon Fodder: No Joke'']</ref>
*'''Grinder''': The sound of overloading shields, cracking bones, and shattering armor is music to Jiralhanae ears. Improved Gravity Hammer with uncalibrated impellors that generate an unstable gravimetric vortex EMP at the point of impact.<ref name="nofake"/>
* '''Grinder''': The sound of overloading shields, cracking bones, and shattering armor is music to Jiralhanae ears. Improved Gravity Hammer with uncalibrated impellors that generate an unstable gravimetric vortex EMP at the point of impact.<ref name="nofake"/>
*'''Tartarus' Gavel''': During his ascent to power within the Covenant, Tartarus used his relationship with the [[Hierarchs|Prophets]] to reward loyal lieutenants with advanced weaponry secretly forged within the Sacred Promissory; one such hammer was the Tartarus' Gavel.<ref name="canon fodder">[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/community/blog-posts/canon-fodder-close-quarters '''Halo Waypoint''': ''Canon Fodder - Close Quarters'']</ref> Mythic Gravity Hammer that unleashes a linear series of kinetic explosions with each swing that also EMPs vehicles. Equipping Tartarus' Gavel also boosts movement speed, shield strength, and jump height.
* '''Tartarus' Gavel''': During his ascent to power within the Covenant, Tartarus used his relationship with the [[Hierarchs|Prophets]] to reward loyal lieutenants with advanced weaponry secretly forged within the Sacred Promissory; one such hammer was the Tartarus' Gavel.<ref name="canon fodder">[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/community/blog-posts/canon-fodder-close-quarters '''Halo Waypoint''': ''Canon Fodder - Close Quarters'']</ref> Mythic Gravity Hammer that unleashes a linear series of kinetic explosions with each swing that also EMPs vehicles. Equipping Tartarus' Gavel also boosts movement speed, shield strength, and jump height.
*'''[[Jiralhanae Warlord]]'s Gravity Hammers''': These Gravity Hammers are equipped with a gravity beam to drag targets closer.<ref name="PLH">'''Halo Wars 2''': [[Phoenix Logs#Banished Units|Phoenix Logs - Warlord]]</ref>
* '''[[Jiralhanae Warlord]]'s Gravity Hammers''': These Gravity Hammers are equipped with a gravity beam to drag targets closer.<ref name="PLH">'''Halo Wars 2''': [[Phoenix Logs#Banished Units|Phoenix Logs - Warlord]]</ref>
<gallery>
<gallery>
File:H5G-Corpsemaker render.png|Corpsemaker.
File:H5G-Corpsemaker render.png|Corpsemaker.
Line 50: Line 50:
</gallery>
</gallery>


==Gameplay==
== Gameplay ==
===Advantages===
=== Advantages ===
[[File:H3-GravityHammer.png|130px|thumb|The gravity hammer in ''Halo 3''.]]
[[File:H3-GravityHammer.png|130px|thumb|The gravity hammer in ''Halo 3''.]]
The gravity hammer is a very powerful weapon, useful in close quarters combat. With a bit of skill, they can even be effectively used against vehicles, usually offering an instant kill. The hammer has a splash damage effect, and a well-placed hit could kill multiple foes in one swing. In some aspects, it is more powerful than the energy sword - a kill against a Covenant enemy or an opponent in multiplayer uses 10% of the energy sword's battery, whereas the gravity hammer only uses 8.33%. When timed perfectly, the gravity hammer can even be used to deflect certain objects, such as rockets and even grenades. In campaign or firefight, 5% of the hammer's battery is used per swing.
The gravity hammer is a very powerful weapon, useful in close quarters combat. With a bit of skill, they can even be effectively used against vehicles, usually offering an instant kill. The hammer has a splash damage effect, and a well-placed hit could kill multiple foes in one swing. In some aspects, it is more powerful than the energy sword - a kill against a Covenant enemy or an opponent in multiplayer uses 10% of the energy sword's battery, whereas the gravity hammer only uses 8.33%. When timed perfectly, the gravity hammer can even be used to deflect certain objects, such as rockets and even grenades. In campaign or firefight, 5% of the hammer's battery is used per swing.


===Disadvantages===
=== Disadvantages ===
*The gravity hammer is huge and visible, so when wielding it as a primary or secondary weapon, you risk making yourself a prime target for snipers.
* The gravity hammer is huge and visible, so when wielding it as a primary or secondary weapon, you risk making yourself a prime target for snipers.
*If you swing the hammer too slowly or out of range, it will push your opponent back, making it harder for you to finish him off and easier for him to counter your attack.
* If you swing the hammer too slowly or out of range, it will push your opponent back, making it harder for you to finish him off and easier for him to counter your attack.
*The glowing blue vents at the top of the weapon are still visible when a player has [[active camouflage]].
* The glowing blue vents at the top of the weapon are still visible when a player has [[active camouflage]].
*The large area of effect of the weapon means that using it in tight quarters with friendly players is highly inadvisable.
* The large area of effect of the weapon means that using it in tight quarters with friendly players is highly inadvisable.
*An enemy wielding a shotgun can easily take down a player with the gravity hammer before he has time to swing.
* An enemy wielding a shotgun can easily take down a player with the gravity hammer before he has time to swing.
*While the gravity hammer takes only 5% energy for a swing—compared with the sword's 10% depletion, the sword only expends energy when it hits, the hammer wastes with every swing, regardless of if it hits or not.
* While the gravity hammer takes only 5% energy for a swing—compared with the sword's 10% depletion, the sword only expends energy when it hits, the hammer wastes with every swing, regardless of if it hits or not.
*If the gravity hammer is being used as a player's secondary weapon, you cannot swing momentarily as it is wielded. The character must have rested his right hand on the handle before a swing can be attempted. This is similar to the energy sword having to ignite before a lunge is possible and might have been added due to balancing issues.
* If the gravity hammer is being used as a player's secondary weapon, you cannot swing momentarily as it is wielded. The character must have rested his right hand on the handle before a swing can be attempted. This is similar to the energy sword having to ignite before a lunge is possible and might have been added due to balancing issues.


===''Halo Wars''===
=== ''Halo Wars'' ===
In  multiplayer and skirmish mode in ''Halo Wars'', the [[Thrallslayer|Brute chieftain]] is armed with a gravity hammer. It features very powerful vortex ability that can rip objects apart and suck them in. When the vortex grabs units such as [[UNSC Marine Corps|Marines]], they will be battered by the shrapnel in the vortex and by their fellow squad members, in addition to being hurled violently. When the vortex leader power is put to a halt, either by the player's choosing or by enemy forces, an explosion will send everything in the vortex outward. Upgrades to the hammer include adding a stun, pulling enemies toward him, and increasing range and damage.
In  multiplayer and skirmish mode in ''Halo Wars'', the [[Thrallslayer|Brute chieftain]] is armed with a gravity hammer. It features very powerful vortex ability that can rip objects apart and suck them in. When the vortex grabs units such as [[UNSC Marine Corps|Marines]], they will be battered by the shrapnel in the vortex and by their fellow squad members, in addition to being hurled violently. When the vortex leader power is put to a halt, either by the player's choosing or by enemy forces, an explosion will send everything in the vortex outward. Upgrades to the hammer include adding a stun, pulling enemies toward him, and increasing range and damage.


===''Halo: Spartan Assault'' and ''Halo: Spartan Strike''===
=== ''Halo: Spartan Assault'' and ''Halo: Spartan Strike'' ===
Each smash from a [[Jiralhanae Chieftain|Brute chieftain]]'s gravity hammers can send a medium-range shockwave forward. The shockwaves are powerful enough to disable shields, making the player vulnerable to damage. Unlike the FPS games, the gravity hammer does not give a knockback effect when it hits an opponent.
Each smash from a [[Jiralhanae Chieftain|Brute chieftain]]'s gravity hammers can send a medium-range shockwave forward. The shockwaves are powerful enough to disable shields, making the player vulnerable to damage. Unlike the FPS games, the gravity hammer does not give a knockback effect when it hits an opponent.


===''Halo Wars 2''===
=== ''Halo Wars 2'' ===
In Campaign and Skirmish, Jump pack Brutes are armed with Gravity Hammers. Jiralhanae Warlords are armed with Gravity Hammers as their primary weapon. The weapon is quite effective at dealing with Pod Infectors; however, it's best use is against structures.
In Campaign and Skirmish, Jump pack Brutes are armed with Gravity Hammers. Jiralhanae Warlords are armed with Gravity Hammers as their primary weapon. The weapon is quite effective at dealing with Pod Infectors; however, it's best use is against structures.


==Gameplay changes==
== Gameplay changes ==
===Changes from ''Halo 3'' and ''Halo 3: ODST'' to ''Halo: Reach''===
=== Changes from ''Halo 3'' and ''Halo 3: ODST'' to ''Halo: Reach'' ===
*The lights on the head of the hammer are orange instead of blue.
* The lights on the head of the hammer are orange instead of blue.
*The head of the hammer is larger.
* The head of the hammer is larger.
*The overall length of the hammer is somewhat shorter.
* The overall length of the hammer is somewhat shorter.
*The weapon now has a red decorative symbol on the head.
* The weapon now has a red decorative symbol on the head.
*The shaft's hand guard has been removed.
* The shaft's hand guard has been removed.
*The blast range isn't as wide. This is most noticeable in Grifball.
* The blast range isn't as wide. This is most noticeable in Grifball.


===Changes from ''Halo: Reach'' to ''Halo 4''===
=== Changes from ''Halo: Reach'' to ''Halo 4'' ===
*Knock-back from the weapon is dramatically increased. A hit from this can send you flying, however, this can be used to the would-be victim's advantage to escape from the wielder.
* Knock-back from the weapon is dramatically increased. A hit from this can send you flying; however, this can be used to the would-be victim's advantage to escape from the wielder.
*The sound of the hammer has changed.
* The sound of the hammer has changed.
*The blast radius has been increased.
* The blast radius has been increased.


===Changes from ''Halo 4'' to ''Halo 5: Guardians''===
=== Changes from ''Halo 4'' to ''Halo 5: Guardians'' ===
* Like all other weapons in ''Halo 5: Guardians'', the gravity hammer can now be smart-scoped. This increases lunge range noticeably.
* Like all other weapons in ''Halo 5: Guardians'', the gravity hammer can now be smart-scoped. This increases lunge range noticeably.
* Base lunge range decreased slightly.
* Base lunge range decreased slightly.
* Re-uses the reticle seen in ''Halo 3'' and ''Halo: Reach''.
* Re-uses the reticle seen in ''Halo 3'' and ''Halo: Reach''.
* Decreased ragdoll effects applied to objects hit by the hammer.
* Decreased ragdoll effects applied to objects hit by the hammer.
* Custom animations for ground pound, Spartan charges, and assassination.
* Custom animations for ground pounds, Spartan charges, and assassinations.


===Changes from ''Halo Wars'' to ''Halo Wars 2''===
=== Changes from ''Halo Wars'' to ''Halo Wars 2'' ===
*New varieties of Gravity Hammer are introduced.
*New varieties of Gravity Hammer are introduced.
*Jump pack Brutes now can wield Gravity Hammer.
*Jump pack Brutes now can wield Gravity Hammer.
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== Trivia ==
== Trivia ==
{{Linkbox|gameplay=yes|gallery=yes|gallerypage=Images of Type-2 gravity hammers}}
{{Linkbox|gameplay=yes|gallery=yes|gallerypage=Images of Type-2 gravity hammers}}
===Miscellaneous===
=== Miscellaneous ===
* The gravity hammer is used in the popular playlist ''[[Grifball]]'', in which the players have no shields and must somehow take their bomb and get it to the other team's base. The hammer is often used to create enough force to propel the bomb-carrying player over the heads of their opponents and into the goal.
* The gravity hammer is used in the popular playlist ''[[Grifball]]'', in which the players have no shields and must somehow take their bomb and get it to the other team's base. The hammer is often used to create enough force to propel the bomb-carrying player over the heads of their opponents and into the goal.
* On the map ''[[Sandbox]]'' in ''Halo 3'' as well as in all maps in ''Halo: Reach'', there is a remodeled version of the gravity hammer called "[[7 wood]]". The 7 wood performs exactly the same gameplay wise, except it is modeled to look like a giant golf club and features a different reticule.
* On the map ''[[Sandbox]]'' in ''Halo 3'' as well as in all maps in ''Halo: Reach'', there is a remodeled version of the gravity hammer called "[[7 wood]]". The 7 wood performs exactly the same gameplay wise, except it is modeled to look like a giant golf club and features a different reticule.
* The gravity hammer and [[Type-52 Mauler|Mauler]] are not in the ''[[Halo 3]]'' instruction manual.
* The gravity hammer and [[Type-52 Mauler|Mauler]] are not in the ''[[Halo 3]]'' instruction manual.
* Despite the lack of Brutes in the game, the gravity hammer appears in ''Halo 4'', likely due to its unique gameplay niche, its fan-favoritism, and its important role in ''Grifball''. It is consequently the only Brute weapon to appear in ''Halo 4''. In the entirety of ''Halo 4''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s campaign, only one gravity hammer can be found, located in an armory during [[Midnight|the last level]].<ref>'''Halo 4'''</ref>
* Despite the lack of Brutes in the game, the gravity hammer appears in ''Halo 4'', likely due to its unique gameplay niche, its fan-favoritism, and its important role in ''Grifball''. It is consequently the only Brute weapon to appear in ''Halo 4''. In the entirety of ''Halo 4''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s campaign, only one gravity hammer can be found, located in an armory during [[Midnight|the last level]].<ref>'''Halo 4'''</ref>
** However, it can actually be spawned in the mission ''[[Shutdown]]'' via a [[Legendary]]-only [[Gravity Hammers on Shutdown|easter egg]].<ref name="Shutdown">[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I03rqpfoCls '''YouTube''' - ''Halo 4 - Secret Gravity Hammers Easter Egg'']</ref>
** However, it can actually be spawned in the mission ''[[Shutdown]]'' via a [[Legendary]]-only [[Gravity Hammers on Shutdown|easter egg]], in which case four gravity hammers can be spawned.<ref name="Shutdown">[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I03rqpfoCls '''YouTube''' - ''Halo 4 - Secret Gravity Hammers Easter Egg'']</ref>


=== Glitches ===
=== Glitches ===
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File:HReach - Major Jiralhanae.png|[[Jiralhanae Captain]] wielding a gravity hammer.
File:HReach - Major Jiralhanae.png|[[Jiralhanae Captain]] wielding a gravity hammer.
File:H4-GravityHammer.png|The Gravity Hammer in ''[[Halo 4]]''.
File:H4-GravityHammer.png|The Gravity Hammer in ''[[Halo 4]]''.
File:H4-GravityHammerHUD-Campaign.png|Campaign first-person view of the gravity hammer in ''Halo 4''.
File:H4-GravityHammerHUD.png|First-person view of the gravity hammer in ''Halo 4''.
File:H4-GravityHammerHUD.png|First-person view of the gravity hammer in ''Halo 4''.
File:H4 Gravity Hammer.jpg|A [[Spartan-IV]] wielding the gravity hammer in ''Halo 4''.
File:H4 Gravity Hammer.jpg|A [[Spartan-IV]] wielding the gravity hammer in ''Halo 4''.
Line 148: Line 149:
</gallery>
</gallery>


===Variants gallery===
=== Variants gallery ===
<gallery>
<gallery>
File:H5G-CorpseMakerHUD.png|First-person view of ''Corpsemaker''.
File:H5G-CorpseMakerHUD.png|First-person view of ''Corpsemaker''.
Line 160: Line 161:
</gallery>
</gallery>


==List of appearances==
== List of appearances ==
{{Col-begin}}
{{Col-begin}}
{{Col-2}}
{{Col-2}}
Line 204: Line 205:
{{Col-end}}
{{Col-end}}


==Sources==
== Sources ==
<references/>
<references/>


Revision as of 23:18, July 30, 2018

Template:Weapon

"One hit from that hammer and you ended up a puddle of bones and blood."
— Private Aaron Landvik[1]

The Type-2 Energy Weapon/Hammer (T2 EW/H), more commonly known as the gravity hammer, is a powerful, close-quarters, two-handed melee weapon used by the Jiralhanae.[2][3]

Overview

Background

The gravity hammers evolved from traditional war hammers wielded by Jiralhanae war chieftains,[4] which were a major focus of the Jiralhanae's barbaric culture, as it serves as the ultimate symbol of clan leadership in addition to being a powerful weapon. The ceremonial hammer of a pack or a clan is only passed to another Jiralhanae if he can best his chieftain in ceremonial combat; the mantle of leadership passes along with the weapon.[3] The wielder of the weapon was expected to treat their gravity hammer with great care.[5]

When the Jiralhanae were incorporated into the Covenant, advanced Covenant technologies were adapted by the Jiralhanae and applied to their war hammers. After Tartarus' rise to power, many war hammers of chieftains were commissioned into the contemporary gravity hammer, with components of the ancestral hammers incorporated when possible.[4]

Design

Though gravity hammers used by Jiralhanae serving in the Covenant military tend to follow a standard design, not all are functionally or aesthetically identical; gravity hammers are often tailored to suit the desires of specific clans, families, or packs.[3] The first gravity hammer and the template for the standardized weapons of this type was the Fist of Rukt, an ancestral war hammer of Maccabeus' clan which was upgraded with Covenant gravity technology after Tartarus was appointed the Chieftain of the Jiralhanae in the Covenant.[6]

Though individual gravity hammers are crafted differently, the design of the standard Type-2 EW/H is rather simple, being composed of a long haft and a heavy head with a tungsten-alloy blade on the reverse end. Within the head is a short-range shock-field-generating gravity drive[7] that uses gravity impellers[8] that are often re-purposed from other technology[9] to emit a kinetic pulse around 4.5 meters outward; this device was added to the weapon shortly after the Jiralhanae's incorporation into the Covenant in 2492.[2][3] This device can displace gravity in targeted locations and manipulate localized energy fields,[7] though the Jiralhanae's brutal nature means that they often prefer to use the weapon in melee combat.[3] This allows the ability to pull a target towards that wielded or push it away as well as even create a vortex which pulls things in and then detonates the vortex to push things out.[10][11][12][13] The exact mechanism by which it functions is currently under investigation by the UNSC.[2]

Variants

  • Corpsemaker: Made of the finest materials its creator could coerce or steal from raider lairs on Warial and Teash. Improved Gravity Hammer with faster swing time and additional energy capacity.[14]
  • Grinder: The sound of overloading shields, cracking bones, and shattering armor is music to Jiralhanae ears. Improved Gravity Hammer with uncalibrated impellors that generate an unstable gravimetric vortex EMP at the point of impact.[14]
  • Tartarus' Gavel: During his ascent to power within the Covenant, Tartarus used his relationship with the Prophets to reward loyal lieutenants with advanced weaponry secretly forged within the Sacred Promissory; one such hammer was the Tartarus' Gavel.[15] Mythic Gravity Hammer that unleashes a linear series of kinetic explosions with each swing that also EMPs vehicles. Equipping Tartarus' Gavel also boosts movement speed, shield strength, and jump height.
  • Jiralhanae Warlord's Gravity Hammers: These Gravity Hammers are equipped with a gravity beam to drag targets closer.[16]
  • Corpsemaker.

    Corpsemaker.

  • Grinder.

    Grinder.

  • Tartarus' Gavel.

    Tartarus' Gavel.

Gameplay

Advantages

The gravity hammer in Halo 3.

The gravity hammer is a very powerful weapon, useful in close quarters combat. With a bit of skill, they can even be effectively used against vehicles, usually offering an instant kill. The hammer has a splash damage effect, and a well-placed hit could kill multiple foes in one swing. In some aspects, it is more powerful than the energy sword - a kill against a Covenant enemy or an opponent in multiplayer uses 10% of the energy sword's battery, whereas the gravity hammer only uses 8.33%. When timed perfectly, the gravity hammer can even be used to deflect certain objects, such as rockets and even grenades. In campaign or firefight, 5% of the hammer's battery is used per swing.

Disadvantages

  • The gravity hammer is huge and visible, so when wielding it as a primary or secondary weapon, you risk making yourself a prime target for snipers.
  • If you swing the hammer too slowly or out of range, it will push your opponent back, making it harder for you to finish him off and easier for him to counter your attack.
  • The glowing blue vents at the top of the weapon are still visible when a player has active camouflage.
  • The large area of effect of the weapon means that using it in tight quarters with friendly players is highly inadvisable.
  • An enemy wielding a shotgun can easily take down a player with the gravity hammer before he has time to swing.
  • While the gravity hammer takes only 5% energy for a swing—compared with the sword's 10% depletion, the sword only expends energy when it hits, the hammer wastes with every swing, regardless of if it hits or not.
  • If the gravity hammer is being used as a player's secondary weapon, you cannot swing momentarily as it is wielded. The character must have rested his right hand on the handle before a swing can be attempted. This is similar to the energy sword having to ignite before a lunge is possible and might have been added due to balancing issues.

Halo Wars

In multiplayer and skirmish mode in Halo Wars, the Brute chieftain is armed with a gravity hammer. It features very powerful vortex ability that can rip objects apart and suck them in. When the vortex grabs units such as Marines, they will be battered by the shrapnel in the vortex and by their fellow squad members, in addition to being hurled violently. When the vortex leader power is put to a halt, either by the player's choosing or by enemy forces, an explosion will send everything in the vortex outward. Upgrades to the hammer include adding a stun, pulling enemies toward him, and increasing range and damage.

Halo: Spartan Assault and Halo: Spartan Strike

Each smash from a Brute chieftain's gravity hammers can send a medium-range shockwave forward. The shockwaves are powerful enough to disable shields, making the player vulnerable to damage. Unlike the FPS games, the gravity hammer does not give a knockback effect when it hits an opponent.

Halo Wars 2

In Campaign and Skirmish, Jump pack Brutes are armed with Gravity Hammers. Jiralhanae Warlords are armed with Gravity Hammers as their primary weapon. The weapon is quite effective at dealing with Pod Infectors; however, it's best use is against structures.

Gameplay changes

Changes from Halo 3 and Halo 3: ODST to Halo: Reach

  • The lights on the head of the hammer are orange instead of blue.
  • The head of the hammer is larger.
  • The overall length of the hammer is somewhat shorter.
  • The weapon now has a red decorative symbol on the head.
  • The shaft's hand guard has been removed.
  • The blast range isn't as wide. This is most noticeable in Grifball.

Changes from Halo: Reach to Halo 4

  • Knock-back from the weapon is dramatically increased. A hit from this can send you flying; however, this can be used to the would-be victim's advantage to escape from the wielder.
  • The sound of the hammer has changed.
  • The blast radius has been increased.

Changes from Halo 4 to Halo 5: Guardians

  • Like all other weapons in Halo 5: Guardians, the gravity hammer can now be smart-scoped. This increases lunge range noticeably.
  • Base lunge range decreased slightly.
  • Re-uses the reticle seen in Halo 3 and Halo: Reach.
  • Decreased ragdoll effects applied to objects hit by the hammer.
  • Custom animations for ground pounds, Spartan charges, and assassinations.

Changes from Halo Wars to Halo Wars 2

  • New varieties of Gravity Hammer are introduced.
  • Jump pack Brutes now can wield Gravity Hammer.
  • The Gravity Hammer is very effective against buildings, performs okay against infantry and vehicles, and cannot attack air units.

Trivia

Main-Legendary.png See our gameplay information related to Gravity hammer (fiction) on its gameplay page.
Main-Superintendent.png Browse more images in this article's gallery page.

Miscellaneous

  • The gravity hammer is used in the popular playlist Grifball, in which the players have no shields and must somehow take their bomb and get it to the other team's base. The hammer is often used to create enough force to propel the bomb-carrying player over the heads of their opponents and into the goal.
  • On the map Sandbox in Halo 3 as well as in all maps in Halo: Reach, there is a remodeled version of the gravity hammer called "7 wood". The 7 wood performs exactly the same gameplay wise, except it is modeled to look like a giant golf club and features a different reticule.
  • The gravity hammer and Mauler are not in the Halo 3 instruction manual.
  • Despite the lack of Brutes in the game, the gravity hammer appears in Halo 4, likely due to its unique gameplay niche, its fan-favoritism, and its important role in Grifball. It is consequently the only Brute weapon to appear in Halo 4. In the entirety of Halo 4's campaign, only one gravity hammer can be found, located in an armory during the last level.[17]

Glitches

  • In Halo 3, the gravity hammer sometimes has no alternate third person animation for melee; in third-person, a player appears to swing the hammer with no explosive effect or splash effect. This only occurs with Spartan models. Sangheili models have the same animation they have if they melee someone with a flag. This has been fixed in Halo 3: ODST - the hammer now has a third person animation for melee.
  • If the player pulls the right trigger while also pulling the left trigger, the shock wave will have no sound effect, the attack will be negated, and it will count as a normal melee attack. Pressing the right trigger and then immediately crouching produces the same effect.
  • In the Halo 3 campaign, Sangheili, including the Arbiter, will not use gravity hammers if they are armed with them. They will simply run next to enemies and remain stationary.

Gallery

Variants gallery

  • First-person view of Corpsemaker.

    First-person view of Corpsemaker.

  • A Spartan wielding Corpsemaker.

    A Spartan wielding Corpsemaker.

  • First-person view of Grinder.

    First-person view of Grinder.

  • A Spartan wielding Grinder.

    A Spartan wielding Grinder.

  • The effect created by Grinder.

    The effect created by Grinder.

  • First-person view of Tartarus' Gavel.

    First-person view of Tartarus' Gavel.

  • A Spartan wielding Tartarus' Gavel.

    A Spartan wielding Tartarus' Gavel.

  • The effect created by Tartarus' Gavel.

    The effect created by Tartarus' Gavel.

List of appearances

Sources

  1. ^ Halo: Spartan Assault, Pre-mission quotes
  2. ^ a b c Bungie.net: Halo: Reach Ordnance Page
  3. ^ a b c d e Halo Waypoint: Gravity Hammer (defunct, backup on Archive.org)
  4. ^ a b Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named universe
  5. ^ Halo: Contact Harvest, page 258
  6. ^ Halo Waypoint: Fist of Rukt
  7. ^ a b Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named Halo 4 Guide
  8. ^ Halo Waypoint: Canon Fodder - Storm Surge
  9. ^ Halo Waypoint: Hammer Storm: Gravity hammer
  10. ^ Halo Wars
  11. ^ Halo 2, campaign level The Oracle
  12. ^ Halo 2, campaign level Quarantine Zone
  13. ^ Halo 2, campaign level The Great Journey
  14. ^ a b Halo Waypoint - Canon Fodder: No Joke
  15. ^ Halo Waypoint: Canon Fodder - Close Quarters
  16. ^ Halo Wars 2: Phoenix Logs - Warlord
  17. ^ Halo 4
  18. ^ YouTube - Halo 4 - Secret Gravity Hammers Easter Egg

Template:Covenant Weapons

v • d • e
 
List of UNSC, Covenant and Forerunner melee weapons
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