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{{Status|Canon}}
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{{References}}
{{Cleanup}}
{{Disambig header|the species|the armor|HUNTER-class Mjolnir}}
{{Covenant Species Infobox
{{Species infobox
|name=Hunter|image=[[Image:BestiarumHunter.jpg|250px]]
|name=Mgalekgolo<br />(''Ophis congregatio'')
|pagename=Mgalekgolo
|othernames=
Hunter
<br>Can o' Worms
<br>Ogre
<br>Worm-guts
|image=[[File:HINF-Hunter.png|325px]]
|homeworld=[[Te]]
|homeworld=[[Te]]
|height=9'6"-12' (Hunter Lekgolo); 1.4 meters (individual Lekgolo worm)<ref name="bestiarum">[[Bestiarum]]</ref> (4.6 feet)
|height=12'1" (368.7 cm)-12'3" (373.4 cm)<ref name="ENC">'''[[Halo Encyclopedia (2009 edition)]]''', ''page 141''</ref>{{Ref/Reuse|wp lekgolo}}
|skincolor=Orange-red
|weight={{Convert|10000|lb|kg}}-{{Convert|11000|lb|kg}}{{Ref/Reuse|ENC}}{{Ref/Reuse|wp lekgolo}}
|distinctions=A single entity that is a unified colony of small worm-like creatures called [[Lekgolo]].
|distinctions=A single entity created by a unified colony of small worm-like creatures called [[Lekgolo]]
|equipment=Mgalekgolo armor, [[Assault Cannon]]
|lifespan=
|types=Combat
|notable-group=*[[Covenant]]
|affiliation=[[Covenant]], [[Covenant Seperatists|Seperatists]], [[Covenant Loyalists|Loyalists]]
*[[Swords of Sanghelios]]
|notable=*[[Igido Nosa Hurru]]
*[[Joyous Exultation Covenant]]
*[[Ogada Nosa Fasu]]
*[[Jul 'Mdama's Covenant]]
|othernames=*Hunter
*[[Vata 'Gajat's mercenary group]]
*[[Banished]]
|notable-person=
*"[[Colony]]"
*[[Igido Nosa Hurru]]
*[[Magsanggalang]]
*[[Magtanggol]]
*[[Makipagtunggali]]
*[[Nakagagalit]]
*[[Ogada Nosa Fasu]]  
*[[Paruto Xida Konna]]
*[[Waruna Xida Yotno]]
* "[[Myriad]]"
}}
}}
[[Image:Hunter1.jpg|thumb|A "Hunter" form, the most common type of Mgalekgolo]]
{{Quote|They're all scary and angry and they like to smash things.|[[Bungie]]<ref>[http://halo.bungie.net/news/content.aspx?type=topnews&link=BWU_081409 '''Bungie.net''', ''Bungie Weekly Update 08/14/09'']</ref>}}
The '''Mgalekgolo'''<ref>[[Bestiarum]]</ref> (meaning "serpent union"<ref>[http://carnage.bungie.org/haloforum/halo.forum.pl?read=865756 HBO Forums]</ref>) are assemblages of colonies of [[Lekgolo]], a species of small colonial worm like creatures, into a larger, and more powerful organism. They are commonly referred to by [[Humans]] as '''Hunters'''.


The most common type of Mgalekgolo is known as a "[[Hunter]]", in which the individual Lekgolo form a humanoid shape approximately twelve feet tall, which can then be armed with a [[Assault Cannon]], armored, and turned into an extremely powerful ground unit. This Mgalekgolo form is commonly employed by the [[Covenant]]. When a single colony of Mgalekgolo becomes too big, the colony will divide in half to create two independant Mgalekgolo colonies. These colonies will share an extremely close and mysterious bond, referred to only as being "bond brothers"<ref>[[Halo: The Flood]]</ref>. Mgalekgolo that have split into "bond brothers" are recognized by spiked appendages that rise from their shoulders, which signify the fact that they are bonded to another Mgalekgolo.<ref>[[Halo: Contact Harvest]]</ref>
The '''Mgalekgolo'''<ref name="Bestiarum">'''[[Bestiarum]]'''</ref> (''Ophis congregatio'', meaning "serpent union"),<ref>[http://carnage.bungie.org/haloforum/halo.forum.pl?read=865756 '''HBO Forums''': ''Bestiaium Latin names translated'']</ref> is a gestalt of [[Lekgolo]], which are small worm-like creatures that group together to exponentially increase their intelligence, strength, and maneuverability. Of the myriad Lekgolo collectives, the best known is the Mgalekgolo or '''Hunter''', a bipedal form that is used for heavy assault. Ironically, the Mgalekgolo is among the least common Lekgolo configurations, but due to their formidable combat capabilities they are most commonly fielded by the [[Covenant]].{{Ref/Reuse|Bestiarum}} While the term "Mgalekgolo" is formally limited to this particular type of Lekgolo gestalt with the other forms having different names,{{Ref/Reuse|wp lekgolo}}{{Ref/Reuse|Bestiarum}} it is sometimes applied to other Lekgolo colonies as well, such as that used to operate the {{Pattern|Deutoros|Scarab}}, or the [[Goliath]]s employed by the [[Banished]].<ref>'''[[Halo: The Essential Visual Guide]]''', ''page 163''</ref>


It is unclear what other types of Mgalekgolo exist, as Lekgolo colonies have yet to be directly observed outside of combat. However, a strange, orange structure which closely resembles a group of Lekgolo worms has been observed in the core of [[Scarab]] walkers in [[Halo 3]], making it a possibility that a Mgalekgolo colony is at the heart of every Halo 3 Scarab walker, though this type of colony has yet to recieve a name.<ref>[[Halo 3]], [[The Ark (Level)]], [[The Covenant (Level)]], [[The Storm (Level)]].</ref>
==History==
<!--This section describes the history of the Mgalekgolo configuration; the history of the entire Lekgolo species is described in the Lekgolo article.-->
{{Quote|The Hunters have come to our aid, Arbiter. They will fight by our side.|A [[Special Operations Sangheili]] during the [[Battle of Installation 05]].{{Ref/Reuse|TGJ}}}}
After the formation of the [[Covenant]], early experiments with the [[Luminary|Luminaries]] reverse-engineered from the [[Forerunner Dreadnought]] in ''[[High Charity]]'' led the Covenant to the Lekgolo homeworld Te, which was located near [[Urs]], the home system of the [[Sangheili]]. While the [[San'Shyuum]] and [[Sangheili]] hoped to find a treasure trove of Forerunner artifacts, they instead found hives of Lekgolo inside orbital rings surrounding the planet. The rings were in fact the destroyed remains of an ancient Forerunner installation in orbit. The relics had been the Lekgolo's food for millennia, and the orbital rings were actually composed of digested-and-destroyed Forerunner relics that some of the Lekgolo had been consuming.<ref name="ch">'''Halo: Contact Harvest''', ''pages 269-271''</ref>


== Background ==
[[File:H2A Terminals - First Hunters.jpg|thumb|250px|left|Jeht facing off against naked Mgalekgolo in their natural unarmored form.]]
Enraged by the Lekgolo's "desecration" of Forerunner relics, the Covenant began a military campaign against the Lekgolo. After facing considerable difficulty eradicating the creatures,{{Ref/Reuse|Bestiarum}}{{Ref/Reuse|ch}} [[Arbiter]] [[Jeht 'Lcmutee]] was sent to study the Lekgolo for a full year on [[Rantu]], one of Te's moons. It was there that the Arbiter witnessed the Lekgolo combine into Mgalekgolo to battle him, forming around a series of rocks to support their bipedal forms.{{Ref/Game|H2A|Detail=''[[Terminal (Halo 2: Anniversary)|Terminal 8]]''}} Recognizing the potential of the gestalts, 'Lcmutee returned to ''[[High Charity]]'' and suggested that the Lekgolo be inducted into the Covenant. However, the Lekgolo initially resisted, leading to a conflict between them and the Covenant. While the Mgalekgolo won most of the time on the ground, they faced extinction and were forced into the Covenant by the superior starship technology of the Sangheili.<ref name="HCESGuide">''[[Halo: Combat Evolved: Sybex Official Strategies & Secrets]]''</ref> This event later came to be known amongst the Covenant as the "[[Taming of the Lekgolo]]". The Covenant may have used [[Sharquoi]] armor designs for the Mgalekgolo armor.<ref name="Envoy186">'''[[Halo: Envoy]]''', ''page 186''</ref>


Hunters take a hulking bipedal form in the Covenant military which is, in truth, the least common assemblage of the creatures.<ref name="bestiarum"/> In this form, they are the strongest species in the [[Covenant]] <ref>[[Halo 3 Game Guide]], http://www.microsoft.com/silverlight/halo3.aspx, On Covenant character page.</ref>. These forms stand anywhere from nine and a half to twelve feet tall, but when in their combat state they crouch to approximately eight feet, making their weak spots smaller. In addition to this, they always fight in pairs making them even stronger foes. Hunters fight with [[Assault Cannon]]s integrated directly into their armor, and they carry an enormous and nearly-impervious metal shield made of an unknown alloy, which they sometimes use as a [[melee]] [[weapon]]. The Assault Cannon used in Halo 2 is more beam-like, similar to that of the [[Gravity Cannon]]. The fire is more sustained, and more devastating. With these weapons and characteristics it seems that the Hunters are more like equipment then soldiers.
The Mgalekgolo gestalts, armed with thick armor plates and [[assault cannon]]s, would come to serve the Covenant as shock troops. Numerous Mgalekgolo participated in the [[Human-Covenant War]]. During the [[Great Schism]], most Mgalekgolo pairs sided with the Sangheili, though others remained with the [[Prophet of Truth]] and the main body of the Covenant.<ref name="TGJ">'''[[Halo 2]]''', campaign level ''[[The Great Journey]]''</ref> There is no known reason for the split in loyalty.{{Ref/Reuse|Bestiarum}}


The Hunters' religious, political and philosophical affiliation with the Covenant was based on their need for viable space travel and see little need for religion. When their homeworld of [[Te]] was visited by an advanced alien culture who were intent on mining the world, they faced heavy resistance from the Hunters whose physiology gave them a tremendous advantage in combat. Hunters were later forced into the Covenant by the superior starship technology of the Elites - on the ground they were mostly, if not always, victorious. Faced with extinction by orbital bombardment, they joined the Covenant.
During the [[Post-Covenant War conflicts|further conflicts]] in the wake of the [[Human-Covenant War]] many Mgalekgolo would fight on behalf of [[Jul 'Mdama]]'s [[Jul 'Mdama's Covenant faction|new Covenant order]] against humanity and [[Swords of Sanghelios]]. These Mgalekgolo participated in the battles of [[Requiem]], [[Nuusra]], [[Sunaion]], and [[Genesis]].{{Ref/Game|Id=H4|H4}}{{Ref/Game|H5G|H5}} Others would remain loyal to [[Arbiter]] [[Thel 'Vadam]] and his Swords of Sanghelios.<ref>[https://www.halowaypointstore.com/p/halo_swords_of_sanghelios_premium_tee.html ''Halo Waypoint Store'' - ''Swords of Sanghelios Tee'']</ref> Several would join [[Vata 'Gajat]]'s [[Vata 'Gajat's mercenary group|mercenary group]] and partake in the [[Battle of Ealen IV]].<ref>'''Halo: Escalation''', ''Issue 2''</ref> Mgalekgolo that were a part of the [[Banished]] were unusually aggressive and may have been forced into service.<ref name="log hunters">''Halo Wars 2'', ''Phoenix Logs - Hunters''</ref> These Mgalekgolo would be deployed by the Banished against the crew of the {{UNSCShip|Spirit of Fire}} during the [[Second Ark Conflict]].{{Ref/Game|HW2}} During [[Operation: SPEARBREAKER]], a Banished Mgalekgolo known as [[Colony]] led an effort to destroy the ''Spirit of Fire'' with a Forerunner {{Class|Despair|fighter}}.{{Ref/Game|HW2|Detail=[[Halo Wars 2: Operation: SPEARBREAKER|Operation: SPEARBREAKER]]}}
[[Image:Standard_Hunter.png|thumb|right|A Hunter fires its built-in weapon.]]
It is assumed that this is when an Arbiter was killed, and that this was the time of the [[Taming of the Hunters]]. Terms for their induction into the Covenant were eventually met despite communication difficulties which hampered the process. As part of joining their conquerors, the Covenant would use local labor and expertise to mine resources from rare metals to minerals. In exchange for this, the Hunters were given free access to the Covenant's spaceways.


Hunters almost never associate, or even communicate, with other Covenant client races, save for the Elites. They are dismissive, scornful, and arrogant to the "lesser" Covenant races, and are utterly contemptuous of their foes.
During the [[Battle for Zeta Halo]] in [[2560#May|May 2560]], the Master Chief faced a number of Mgalekgolo in service of the Banished. His new AI companion, [[the Weapon]], was confused when he identified the creatures as Hunters, having no idea what a Banished or a Hunter even was and then deciding that she didn't want to know the answer to what they hunted. One of the targets of opportunity that the Master Chief went after on the Halo ring was a Mgalekgolo pair known as [[Myriad]] who, much like [[Colony]], trended towards a more individualized identity rather than being a part of a subservient hivemind. Another Mgalekgolo pair were sent after the Master Chief by [[War Chief]] [[Escharum]] in the arena on the second level of the [[House of Reckoning (location)|House of Reckoning]] while the Master Chief was [[Battle of the House of Reckoning|fighting]] his way through the Banished stronghold in order to rescue [[Fernando Esparza]].{{Ref/Game|Id=Hi|Hi}}


Hunters have three names: personal name, bond name, and line name. The personal name is given at birth. The line name represents the genetic heritage, being the name of the most successful Hunter of his ancestors. If one reaches a certain level of status, his offspring will have his personal name as their line name. The bond name is taken between bonded pairs, a relationship about which little is known, but it appears to be something like a lifelong brother. Examples of names include [[Igido Nosa Hurru]], and [[Ogada Nosa Fasu]].
==Description==
===Culture===
{{Main|Lekgolo#Culture}}
Mgalekgolo almost never associate or communicate with other species other than the [[Sangheili]]. They are dismissive, scornful, and arrogant to the "lesser" species, and are contemptuous to their foes.{{Ref/Reuse|HCESGuide}}


In ''[[Halo: Contact Harvest]]'', it is stated that Mgalekgolo "Brothers" are two pieces of the same colony of Lekgolo that have formed two Mgalekgolo. One that has lost its partner can and will become extremely aggressive. Bonded Mgalekgolo consider themselves brothers and are fiercely protective of each other.
===Anatomy and physiology===
[[File:Mgalekgolo back.jpg|250px|thumb|[[Lekgolo]] worms on a Mgalekgolo's exposed back.]]
{{main|Lekgolo}}
A Mgalekgolo is not a single organism, but rather a collective of small, orange, eel-like creatures called [[Lekgolo]]. In order to form a Mgalekgolo, dozens of individual Lekgolo bond with one another both physically and neurologically to form a single "hive-minded" community.<ref>'''Halo: Contact Harvest''', ''page 267''</ref> The Mgalekgolo is the most common form seen in combat during the [[Human-Covenant War]], but is actually one of the rarer and smaller forms in the Lekgolo society, used primarily in interaction with the Covenant hierarchy.{{Ref/Reuse|Bestiarum}} Their primary combat tactic is an approximation of a hunter-killer formation, hence the name "Hunter".<ref name="wp lekgolo">[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/universe/species/lekgolo-mgalekgolo-hunter '''Halo Waypoint''': ''Lekgolo/Mgalekgolo'']</ref> Because of their combined neural nets' sensitivity to their surroundings, Mgalekgolo can think and work as an effective combat unit without even using verbal communication. They can also locate their enemies even without directly "seeing" them, such as when they are facing the opposite direction.


During the [[Covenant Civil War]], most Hunter pairs sided with the Sangheili and the [[Covenant Separatists]]. No reason for this is known yet, but it is likely due to their deep respect for the Elites,
Mgalekgolo do not use vocal chords to speak, but instead vibrate their bodies to make a low rumble to produce speech. They are capable of mimicking the language of other species, forming words and sentences that are "felt" rather than heard. Their quiet nature among other races of the Covenant is probably a result of difficulty speaking with other Covenant races. The known names of some Mgalekgolo seem to imply that they use very simple vowels and only a few consonants.


During the [[Battle of Onyx]], some Hunters had command of lower ranking Sangheili, possibly signifying some sort of leadership or rank level.
Mgalekgolo usually stand between twelve to thirteen feet tall, but during combat they hunch themselves over to protect their vulnerable neck and midsection, reducing their height to roughly eight feet. They fight using [[assault cannon]]s integrated directly into their armor, and they carry an enormous two-ton pavise shield made of an alloy derived from the same [[Nanolaminate hull plating|material]] that forms Covenant warship hulls.{{Ref/Reuse|wp lekgolo}} Mgalekgolo body armor is eight centimeters thick, with the shield being even thicker.<ref>'''Halo: Ghosts of Onyx''', ''page 218''</ref> Their shields and armor protect them from almost every form of [[plasma weaponry|plasma-based]] or ballistic weaponry available to Covenant and human infantry alike, and the shield is a powerful [[melee]] tool capable of crushing anything in its path and allowing the Mgalekgolo to neutralize most enemies in close combat. However their heavy protection is inadequate against dedicated anti-tank weapons, with [[M19 surface-to-surface missile|102mm HEAT warheads]],<ref>'''Halo: The Flood''', ''page 183''</ref> [[M149 Magellan|105mm recoiless rifles]],<ref>'''Halo: The Flood''', ''page 363''</ref> and [[M512 smooth-bore high-velocity cannon|90mm high-velocity tank cannons]] taking them out with ease.<ref>'''Halo: The Flood''', ''page 242''</ref> The [[M149 Magellan]] 105mm recoiless rifle is even capable of over-penetrating both the pavise and the armor with a delayed fuse round.<ref>'''[[Halo Legends]]''': ''[[Prototype]]''</ref> There are a few weak spots in the armor however, such as the lower back where they are vulnerable to regular weaponry. However, due to their sheer size and speed, it is difficult for enemies to hit these spots. Their arm-mounted shield was the basis for an avenue of [[UNSC]] research which produced an [[UNSC shield|early prototype]] shield of human origin.{{Ref/Game|H2V|Easy difficulty shield ([[:File:H2V EasyDifficulty.png|File link]])}}


They are called mysteries by an Elite Fleet Commander. It is stated that the Hunters were mysteries, and that the commander had known them to tear opponents apart with their "hands" whilst in a blood frenzy, and then pause to recite war poetry. <ref>Ghosts of Onyx</ref>
The assault cannon the Mgalekgolo wields operates in two modes; one firing a single explosive capsule of incendiary fluid,{{Ref/Reuse|H4}}<ref>'''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]'''</ref>{{Ref/Reuse|ODST}} the other spraying the fluid out like a beam.{{Ref/Game|Id=H5G|H5G}}<ref name="H2">'''[[Halo 2]]'''</ref><ref name="H3">'''[[Halo 3]]'''</ref>


== Anatomy and Physiology ==
===Bond brothers===
When a single Mgalekgolo becomes too big, the colony will divide in half to create two independent Lekgolo colonies. These colonies will share an extremely close and mysterious bond, referred to only as being "bond brothers", or "mates".<ref name="Halo: The Flood">'''Halo: The Flood''', ''"Chapter ??"'', ''page ??''</ref> Mgalekgolo that have split into "bond brothers" are recognized by spiked appendages that rise from their shoulders, which means that they are bonded to another Mgalekgolo.{{Ref/Reuse|ch}} Bonded Mgalekgolo colonies are dropped into battle together by the Covenant, as the [[SPARTAN-II program|Spartans]] learned: where you find a Mgalekgolo, there is always another close by. If one of the bonded colonies is killed, the other will go into a frenzied state, much like the berserk state of a [[Jiralhanae]], or the suicidal charge of a desperate Unggoy. If left alone for a long period of time, however, they will adopt a "tactical split personality" of shooting followed by melee attacks. On one occasion a Mgalekgolo whose bond brother was killed went berserk killing its allies aboard the crashed ''[[Radiant Perception]]'' and eventually became suicidal.<ref name="SAS">'''[[Halo: Smoke and Shadow]]''', ''page ???''</ref>


Hunters are not singular organisms, but rather hive creatures composed of multiple small, orange, eel-like beings that form a singular collective consciousness and act as one. The extremely strong armor that covers them serves the dual purpose of protecting the eels and keeping them together. Hunters also have very sharp, long spines made of the same eels that compose their body. Hunters have been known to impale careless [[Marines]] upon these spines. However, in-game the spines serve no purpose besides decoration. The white streak on the Hunter's "head" is actually a visor or sensor screen.
===Naming===
[[Image:Hunter 3.jpg|160px|thumb|right|A Hunter inside the Ark.]]
Mgalekgolo have three names: a personal name, a bond name, and a line name. When written with the Roman or Latin alphabet, the three names can be transposed together as one single name or separated by spaces.  
Because of their make up of thousands of small eels instead of being a singular large organism, the Lekgolo are the only species in the Covenant, or of the characters in the game that cannot be assimilated by the Flood, as each eel is barely sentient, and are far too small for the Infection forms to burrow into. As such, there is never a Hunter Combat Form, though it is thought that the flesh of the Lekgolo can and is likely used by the Flood simply for its biomass.
*The personal name is given at their "birth".{{Ref/Reuse|HCESGuide}}
*The bond name, or their middle name, is taken between bonded pairs. Examples of some Mgalekgolo names include [[Igido Nosa Hurru]] and [[Ogada Nosa Fasu]].<ref>'''[[Halo: The Flood]]''', ''page 163''</ref>
*The line name represents the genetic heritage, being the name of the most successful Mgalekgolo of its ancestors. If one reaches a certain level of status, its offspring will have its personal name as their line name.{{Ref/Reuse|HCESGuide}}


The collection of eels that make up a Hunter's body are unintelligent at the most basic level, but can form complex thoughts and emerge as a conscious individual when they combine into larger masses that communicate through chemical and electrical means. Their society is predominated by this combination of being to create exponentially more intelligent creatures, and the actual "Hunter" organism is one of the rarer and smaller forms to be found, used primarily in interaction with the Covenant hierarchy. The eels that make up a "Hunter" only have one eye per worm. The worms that make up the arms and legs have the eyes located within the central thorax armor. The neural net that Hunters develop enables them to be incredibly strong and sensitive to all things within a 1000 foot line pointing out from non-combat form, and a half sphere that extends 500 feet in combat form.
==Ranking system==
[[Image:Huntercrouched.jpg|thumb|left|A Hunter with its spines flexed as it gets into an attack position.]]
[[File:ODST TayariPlaza06.jpg|thumb|250px|[[Edward Buck]] fighting a [[Mgalekgolo Flak|golden Hunter]] on [[Tayari Plaza]].]]
Hunters generally growl during battle but will sometimes talk and make remarks like the other Covenant species. Instead of using vocal chords, they vibrate their bodies to make a low rumble that is described as "more felt than heard" to produce speech.<ref>[[Halo: Ghosts of Onyx]], pages 190/191</ref>
Unlike most Covenant forces, Mgalekgolo seem to possess presumably no visible rank. As they are deployed more like equipment or weapons platforms rather than conventional troops, rank may simply not apply for them.{{citation needed}}


It is theorized that Hunters reproduce asexually; however, there is, as yet, no way to be certain. New information suggests that the Hunters can generate an eel, and then an eel from a large number of other Hunters is needed to make a Hunter.
However, they can be deployed independently of other Covenant troops, which may indicate that a level of independence and responsibility may be granted, thus meaning that they may have a high enough rank to be trusted by themselves. During the [[Battle of Sigma Octanus IV]], Mgalekgolo are seen guarding the crystal in [[Côte d'Azur]], which is retrieved by [[Blue Team]]. One of these Mgalekgolo killed a Kig-Yar by stepping on it,<ref>'''Halo: The Fall of Reach''', ''page 222''</ref> demonstrating the Lekgolo colonies' characteristic disregard for the lives of other species, whom they generally view as annoyances rather than allies.{{Ref/Reuse|wp lekgolo}} During the [[Onyx Conflict]], some Mgalekgolo apparently had command of lower-ranking Sangheili, even killing one of them for failing to follow orders, signifying they may have a higher military rank in the Covenant military than previously indicated.<ref>'''Halo: Ghosts of Onyx''', ''page 358''</ref>


The Hunters' gauntlets have three fingers, each bearing a sharp claw. It appears that they wear their distinctive arm shield by inserting their hand into a built-in gauntlet.  Similarly, their Assault Cannon has a large hand slot, enabling the weapon to be attached securely to the arm.
During the [[Battle of Mombasa]], Mgalekgolo appeared in two different forms in two different colors: the normal blue-armored Mgalekgolo that are armed with an [[assault cannon]] that fires a continuous stream of radioactive incendiary gel, and a [[Mgalekgolo Flak|gold-armored Mgalekgolo]] armed with an assault cannon that fires a single bolt of radioactive incendiary gel.<ref name="ODST">'''[[Halo 3: ODST]]'''</ref>


== Combat ==
By 2559 the Banished utilized [[Mgalekgolo Captain]]s under the command of "Colony". These Captains are linked directly to "Colony" and Banished Lekgolo colonies operate at full efficiency while Captains are on the field.<ref name="LML">[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/news/leggo-my-lekgolo '''Halo Waypoint''' ''Canon Fodder - Leggo my Lekgolo'']</ref> Several Mgalekgolo under the command of [[Jul 'Mdama's Covenant]] were given the rank of [[Swarmlord]], and were employed as simulated enemies in UNSC [[War Games]].
=== Halo: Combat Evolved ===
{{Clear}}
[[Image:Fuel Rod Beam Cannon in Action.jpg||thumb|right|200px|Hunters possess the high firepower [[Assault Cannon]], which is devastating to vehicles and infantry alike.]]
A Hunter's armor is extremely resilient, and is immune to most small arms fire. However, they do have an exploitable weak spot: the exposed orange flesh located in their midsections and necks. While they keep the exposed areas on the fronts of their bodies well-covered with their shields, rarely giving the player an opening unless the Hunter tries to melee them, the creature's backs have a large exposed area that is extremely vulnerable. However, though firearms are incapable of penetrating a Hunter's armor, it cannot stand up to heavy weapons such as rockets and artillery.


In Halo: Combat Evolved, Hunters were rarely difficult to defeat; their [[AI]] was simplistic, their shots and melees were slow and awkward, and they could barely move fast enough to run down a back-pedaling Spartan. Interestingly in Halo PC if you don't move from your position while the Hunter is firing at you, it will never hit you with its Assault Cannon. Furthermore, they could be killed by a single shot from the [[M6D Magnum Sidearm|M6D Pistol]], as long as it hit the exposed orange area in the middle of the body or the similarly unarmored "neck." Other weapons, especially the [[shotgun]] and [[SRS99C-S2 AM Sniper Rifle|sniper rifle]] for very short and very long distances, respectively, were equally deadly. The rocket launcher was always effective, but never particularly necessary. Grenades were only moderately effective, as the Hunter could withstand a half-dozen grenade blasts. [[Plasma]] weapons were often ineffective, as was the [[Needler]], and the [[MA5B Assault Rifle]] took so long to make a kill that other weapons were far more useful. Still, no player with even a modicum of skill feared confronting a Hunter on open ground. On [[Legendary]], some players regarded Hunters as the least challenging enemies in the game. However, inexperienced or careless players can fall victim to the Hunters' attacks, which, while easy to anticipate, are rather powerful.
==Trivia==
[[Image:Hunter4.jpg|thumb|left|[[SPARTAN-II Program|Spartan-IIs]] about to exploit the Hunter's weak spot: their unprotected backs.]]
===Production notes===
However, Hunters really gained the upper hand in the cramped hallways of the [[Truth and Reconciliation]] and the [[The Maw|''Pillar of Autumn'']], where there was little space to dodge the fuel rods or crushing melee blows, and no room to utilize either a sniper or rocket launcher to defeat them. Still, these levels were full of shotgun or pistol ammo, and these weapons are reasonably useful against Hunters at close range.
{{Other languages
 
|fr={{Tooltip|''Les Hunters''|(Anglicism)}} in ''Halo: Combat Evolved''.<br>
[[Image:Hunter1-.jpg|thumb|right|200px|A Hunter in its defensive position]]
{{Tooltip|''Les Chasseurs''|The Hunters}} in all media since ''Halo 2''.
If one were to stand far away from the Hunter, it would use its Assault Cannon. However, the shot was slow, and very easy to dodge if you could see it coming. It was also easy to anticipate, as the barrel of the weapon glowed bright green before firing. If you were in melee range of the Hunter, it would also use its arm shield in an attempt to crush you, resulting in serious injury, if not death. However, these attacks were simple to anticipate and dodge. On certain levels, it is possible to defeat Hunters by standing in front of a hole and then sidestepping them as they attempt a melee attack; if timed right, the Hunter will fall down the hole and die.
|es={{Tooltip|''Los cazadores''|The Hunters}} in ''Halo: Combat Evolved'' and ''Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary''.<br>
 
{{Tooltip|''Los Hunters''|Anglicism}} in all media since ''Halo 2''.
=== Halo 2 ===
}}
[[Image:Dgodt Visr Foltz.PNG|thumb|right|A Hunter on [[The Great Journey (Level)|The Great Journey]].]]
{{Linkbox|gallery=yes|gameplay=yes}}
The Hunters have undergone a number of changes for Halo 2. While they appear in fewer numbers, they are tougher and more dangerous. The most notable change is their new weapon: although similar to the old Assault Cannon, the new Assault cannon fires a continuous beam of green plasma rather than an arcing projectile. This new weapon is more damaging if not dodged carefully. In addition, the Hunters are over 25% larger<ref>''The Art of Halo: Creating a Virtual World''</ref> and faster, making combat against them much more hectic. Fortunately, all these go towards your advantage when playing the Arbiter; the Hunters are then powerful and durable allies. They have gained a new move, too: the ability to attack an enemy behind them. This effectively makes the old strategy of "dodge-and-fire" far less effective.
*''Halo: The Flood'', mentions that Mgalekgolo have skin and a jutting spine. This is incorrect, as they were later revealed to be a compound of small worm-like creatures. However, this does not preclude the possibility that the worms may form a skin-like membrane on the outside of their colony for protection against more casual damage, and in ''Halo 3 ''a metal column can be seen after the back armor plating has been detached, perhaps forming an artificial "spine" for vertical support. Strangely, the reference to Mgalekgolo having spines was kept in the 2010 re-release of the novel.<ref>'''Halo: The Flood''' (2010), page 181</ref>
 
*At first, Mgalekgolo were meant to comprise the whole of [[Sesa 'Refumee's heretic faction|Heretic]] forces on the [[Threshold gas mine]].<ref>'''[[Halo 3 Essentials]]''': ''Disk ??''</ref>
Finally, the Hunters have much more health. Most small arms do rather moderate damage against them, in contrast to the M6D's ability to kill them in a single shot. For example, on Normal difficulty, it takes 13 shots from the [[M6C Magnum Sidearm]], 6 full bursts from the [[BR55 Battle Rifle|Battle Rifle]], or 10 shots from the [[Covenant Carbine]] to kill a Hunter. On [[Heroic]] and lower difficulties, sniper weapons will kill a Hunter in a single shot. However, on Legendary, not a single weapon (except, of course, the [[Scarab Gun]], which is never present during a fight with Hunters anyway) can kill them in one hit. Even a [[SRS99C-S2 AM Sniper Rifle]] or [[Beam Rifle]] will take two shots to kill a Hunter on Legendary. Often, the most effective weapon against them is the one that does the most damage: the Rocket Launcher is greatly effective, as is the Fuel Rod Cannon. While these weapons take two and three shots respectively to kill a Hunter on Legendary, they can damage one regardless of where it hits it.
*The Mgalekgolo was inspired by the [[marathongame:Pfhor|Pfhor]] [[marathongame:Hunter|Hunter]] from the ''[[Marathon]]'' series, as well as by the [[marathongame:Drinniol|Drinniol]], or Hulk, from the original ''Marathon''. However, the Pfhor Hunter is actually a class of power armored soldier with a shoulder-mounted cannon rather than an arm-mounted cannon. The Drinniol also inspired the creation of the [[Sharquoi|Drinol]], Covenant species that was designed for ''Halo: Combat Evolved'' but was cut during development.  
 
*No Mgalekgolo are ever seen supporting the [[John-117|Master Chief]] during the events of ''[[Halo 3]]''. This is because in the making of ''Halo 3'', [[Bungie]] did not want to confuse players by having them with both allies and enemies.
Grenades still do little damage against Hunters, and it will usually take a large amount of them to take one down. However, grenades, handheld or fired from the Brute Shot, will disorient a Hunter, giving the player an opportunity to shoot at its exposed flesh. Perhaps the most effective method to defeat a Hunter would be to stick a plasma grenade to it and shoot it in its exposed back with a beam rifle or sniper rifle.
*Despite appearing on the cover of ''[[Halo: Spartan Assault]]'' none actually appear in game.
 
*In the [[Halo Legends]] episode ''[[The Duel]]'', the Mgalekgolo are shown to be at least 50 feet tall. This was explained by [[Frank O'Connor]] saying that a Hunter's appearance changes due to the gravity and environment.
Hunters are equipped with an extremely devastating [[Assault Cannon]] melded into its arm. Unlike a normal Fuel Rod Cannon, Hunters with their cumbersome bulk and strength are able to withstand the recoil and produce a more lasting and lethal blast. If an enemy gets too close, the Hunter will attempt a clumsy but dangerous melee attack with its shield, severely injuring if not killing the enemy. Once its partner is killed, the Hunter becomes much more aggressive and will chase the player, attempting to avenge its partner's death by only melee attacks.
 
=== Halo 3 ===
The Hunters in Halo 3 are further upgraded from their Halo 2 counterparts, just as large but appearing less bulky. Their orange areas require far more hits to inflict damage, their previously vulnerable "stomach" areas are covered by armor plating, in addition to performing two new melee attacks in combat, making Hunters more formidable foes than ever. However, their armor now falls off in pieces as the Hunter accumulates damage, and their [[Assault Cannon]]s do slightly less damage, while it appears that grenades and explosives seem to do more damage. Brute Spike Grenades can be effective when stuck in the right areas.But the most effective(usable) weapon is a missile pod.


== Trivia ==
===Gameplay===
[[Image:Hunter5.jpg|thumb|right|A Hunter emerging from the ''[[Pillar of Autumn|Pillar of Autumn's]]'' cafeteria.]]
*When combating Mgalekgolo, a player can 'leapfrog' the charging melee attack, either jumping above or to the side of the Mgalekgolo. This exposes the rear armor to a quick shotgun blast or grenade stick, often resulting in death on lower difficulties. Although this tactic does not work as well on ''Halo 3: ODST'', simply circling around behind the Mglekgolo at the right time works the same way.
*Hunters were first seen by humans in [[2537]] in [[Operation: PROMETHEUS]].
*In ''[[Halo 3]]'', it is possible to splatter a Mgalekgolo with an [[M274 Mongoose]].
*Hunters are responsible for security aboard a Covenant Warship. One of their duties is to protect the vessel's Ship Master. Upon failing that, they are to enact revenge on his assassin.<ref>''[[Halo: Ghosts of Onyx]]'', page 190</ref>
*In ''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]'', Mgalekgolo are not harmed by [[Unidentified fuel rod gun|fuel rod gun]]s. This may be because you're not supposed to have fuel rod guns in campaign, or it may be a precaution meant to prevent Mgalekgolo from injuring each other when fighting.
*In [[Halo: Combat Evolved]], if you look closely at a Hunter the orange fleshy parts glow in an on and off pattern. This can be seen more easily in a dark place.
*Mgalekgolo have ranks in the actor variant [[tag]]s. One variant is called 'Hunter' and another called 'Hunter major'.
*It is a common mistake to think that Flood infected Hunters become [[Flood Juggernaut]]s, but due to their physiology, that is impossible. Unlike humans and the other Covenant species, their physiology does not include a centralized nervous system, making them invulnerable to Flood infection.
*In ''Halo: Combat Evolved'', a single shot from a [[M6D Magnum|pistol]] or [[SRS99C-S2 AM sniper rifle|sniper rifle]] to any unarmored section will kill a Mgalekgolo; this is because Bungie programmed the Mgalekgolo's exposed flesh as a "head."
*Halo 2 and Halo 3 Hunters will flex their spines upon sighting the [[Master Chief]], unlike its [[Halo: Combat Evolved]] counterparts.
*In ''[[Halo 2]]'', a Mgalekgolo's mass is enough to kill other characters if they push them against a surface. This can sometimes be seen in [[The Great Journey]], where friendly Mgalekgolo may accidentally crush Sangheili against walls.
*As of [[Halo 3]], despite the Elites possessing [[Grunts (Unggoy)|Grunt]], and Hunter allies of their own, neither appear as anything but an enemy in the game.
*In ''[[Halo 2]]'', it is impossible to kill or even damage Mgalekgolo with melee attacks.
*In Halo: The Flood, it mentions that Hunters have skin and a spine. This is incorrect, however, as they were revealed to be a compound of little worm like entities.
*In ''[[Halo Wars]]'', a Mgalekgolo's shield can deflect projectiles that would almost always kill them in previous games, like [[Zurdo-pattern Wraith|Wraith]] Mortars and shots from the [[M808B Scorpion]]'s main cannon.
*In Halo: Combat Evolved on the Maw (only on Normal difficulty or higher), the Hunters that run out of the cafe room will occasionally have gray stomachs and grayed armor on their back and spines, as well as a "burned" appearance. It is unknown if this is just a texturing glitch, a model mix up like the "Honor Guard Councilor" at the end of [[Gravemind (level)]], or to show that the Hunters have been in combat for a long time.
*In ''[[Halo: Reach]]'', Mgalekgolo have received a huge graphical overhaul. They are much more textured, are larger, have Forerunner symbols and emblems on their armor and appear to have some kind of eyes on their helmets.
*At first, Hunters were meant to comprise the whole of Heretic forces on the Gas Mine.<ref>"Essentials - Disk Three"</ref>
*Mgalekgolo are also much tougher in ''Reach''. They are capable of surviving multiple explosive hits and even repeated plasma grenade sticks. Their back armor is much more durable, making their weak point harder to expose. They will also raise their shield vertically when being attacked from the front, covering both their neck and mid-section to protect themselves from incoming fire and are less likely to turn around and expose their back to the player.
*''Ophis'' means snake. ''Congregatio'' means assembly, society, union. Translated it means "assembly of snakes", no doubt alluding to their physical structure.
*In ''Halo: Reach'', a near-miss from a Mgalekgolo's melee will cause the player's screen to violently shake.
*In a Bungie Weekly Update, [[Frank O'Connor]] said: "Hunter society is complex and we have seen but the tiniest fraction of it. There are some fundamental facts about Hunter biology that mean the combat type is just the tip of the iceberg" <ref>http://www.bungie.net/News/TopStory.aspx?story=updatefeb03</ref>. This means, or at least implies, that there are other kinds of Hunters that simply have yet to be seen.
*Although the Mgalekgolo present in ''[[Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary]]'' use the ''Halo: Reach'' skin, they are almost half the size of their ''Halo: Reach'' counterparts due to the much smaller skeleton frame used in the original game. Their abdomens also appear to be armored, though this armor doesn't protect from damage and it's purely cosmetic.
*Spartan William-043 killed a Hunter by ripping out the worms in its body, hinting that Hunters can be killed if too many worms are displaced.
*In ''[[Halo 4]]'', Mgalekgolo perform melee attacks much faster than their predecessors, making it harder to dodge them. Like in ''Halo Reach'', a near-miss from a melee will cause the player's screen to violently shake.
*It is speculated that the Scarab from Halo 3 is actually a giant Hunter. Many things support this.  One is that there isn't a control center on the new Scarab, another is the spotting of Hunter eel's around the control core. Another theory that can support this is that one of the Scarab's main guns appears the same as a giant Assault Cannon. Additionally, even if the whole crew of the Scarab is taken out, the Scarab continues to move around and fire at the enemy, suggesting it is being controlled by something still.
*In ''[[Halo 2: Anniversary]]'', Mgalekgolo received a new skin that also incorporates abdominal armor, though this armor is also purely cosmetic and offers no protection whatsoever.
*In [[Halo 3]], if one shoots a dead Lekgolo's exposed orange spots, small black worms will fly out.
*In ''[[Halo 5: Guardians]]'', Mgalekgolo are far more lethal than their predecessors. Their melee strikes are now nearly impossible to dodge. They also utilize both firing modes of their assault cannons. They also appear to be far more durable than their predecessors. In addition, when one is killed, the remaining Mgalekgolo will go into a "rage", start emitting green electrical sparks, move faster and more aggressively, and will fire its assault cannon's close range attack twice in each volley.
*Azathoth117 asks: "Are the orange worm-type thingies in the back of the Scarab the same things as the worms in Hunters, or is it just superficial resemblance?" Bungie:"The resemblance is not just superficial. A future DLC map might expand upon that mystery."
*In ''Halo: Combat Evolved'' and ''[[Halo 3: ODST]]'', players can avoid Hunters at certain points during [[Assault on the Control Room]] and [[Mombasa Streets]], where some Hunters are "asleep" despite ostensibly being in their combat stance. The Hunters will not notice if the player is nearby unless the player attacks them or makes noises near them, similar to the way sleeping Grunts can be awakened by noises. In the ''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]'' level [[Assault on the Control Room]] on the lower level of the control room, the player can score a double-kill with one shot from a sniper rifle if they manage to catch a pair of "asleep" Hunters off-guard.
*In ''Halo: Combat Evolved'', splatter kills against Hunters are extremely easy due to the game mechanics allowing a small prod to instantly kill them. They often choose to avoid vehicles rather than engaging them head-on.
*In ''Halo: Combat Evolved'', when engaging [[Pod infector]]s at close range, Hunters will often try to shoot rather than melee them, killing themselves in the process. This could be due to their size making it difficult for them to aim properly.
*In ''Halo: Combat Evolved'', Hunters are far more vulnerable than they are in later games. On any difficulty (even Legendary), they can be killed with a single shot to any unarmored part of their bodies. They are so vulnerable that even a single pistol shot can kill them.
*In later games, the best strategy for dealing with Hunters when there is no access to a weapon such as a [[M41 SPNKR|rocket launcher]] is to stick them with a {{Pattern|Anskum|plasma grenade}}. The explosion will blow the back of their armor above the weak spot off, giving the player a wider area to target with their weapons. However, they still remain difficult to kill due to the need to dodge their attacks while aiming for the weak spot.
*In the ''Halo: Reach'' level ''[[New Alexandria]]'', the player runs into a situation where they fight four Hunters at once instead of just two. There is a rocket launcher available in the room this occurs in which is sufficient with proper targeting.
*In ''Halo 3: ODST'', Hunters are fairly easy to deal with compared to the later games in the ''Halo'' series, likely reflecting the fact that the player is no longer controlling a Spartan and is instead controlling weaker ODSTs. On lower difficulties at least, a good strategy is to blow off the back of a Hunter's armor with a {{Pattern|Anskum|plasma grenade}} and then rake their exposed back with fire. In that game, it doesn't take much fire to kill one once their back is fully exposed, especially compared to ''Halo: Reach'' when in a similar situation, Hunters are extremely hard to kill.
*A good weapon to use against Hunters when a rocket launcher or [[fuel rod gun]] is not available is a shotgun, particularly after a Hunter's armor has been blown off in the back. Ideal for close-range combat, shotgun blasts inflict more damage than weapons such as an assault rifle. In order to get a Hunter to expose their weakness, a player typically needs to get close enough to make the Hunter charge, generally ending with them in close proximity even when the Hunter is vulnerable. At this kind of proximity, a shotgun is ideal for its stopping power and close-combat effectiveness. In the ''Halo: Reach'' levels ''[[ONI: Sword Base]]'' and ''[[The Pillar of Autumn (Halo: Reach level)|The Pillar of Autumn]]'', shotguns can be found in close proximity to where the player encounters and fights Hunters.


*In Halo: Combat Evolved Hunters can be killed with one shot from a M6D Personal Defense Weapon System (M6D Pistol) in their orange unarmored part
===Miscellaneous===
*Like most other races of the Covenant, Mgalekgolo's [[blood]] differs from that of humans. Mgalekgolo blood is bright, fluorescent orange and appears to have a very thick, slimy texture. It has also been noted that their blood smells strongly of burnt plastic, hinting that the make-up of their bodily fluids is drastically different from that of a [[human]].


==See Also==
==Gallery==
===Development images===
<gallery>
File:HCE Hunter Concept 1.png|Early concept art of a Hunter for ''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]''.
File:HCE Hunter Concept 2.png|Concept art of a Hunter for ''Halo: Combat Evolved''.
File:HCE Hunter Concept 3.png|Concept art of a Hunter for ''Halo: Combat Evolved''.
File:HCE Hunter Concept_4.jpg|Concept art of a Hunter for ''Halo: Combat Evolved''.
File:HCE EarlyHunters Screenshot.jpg|A pair of Mgalekgolo in an early build of ''Halo: Combat Evolved''.
File:Hunter.jpg|A conceptual render of a Mgalekgolo in ''Halo: Combat Evolved''.
File:Concept-H2-Hunter.jpg|Finalized concept art of a Mgalekgolo for ''[[Halo 2]]''.
File:HW Hunter_Sketch.jpg|Early sketch of a Mgalekgolo for ''[[Halo Wars]]''.
File:HW_Hunter_Concept.jpg|Concept art of a Mgalekgolo for ''Halo Wars''.
File:TheDuel Hunter Concept.png|Concept art of a Hunter in ''[[Halo Legends]]'' episode, ''[[The Duel]]''.
File:H4 GGHunter Concept 1.jpg|Concept art of the Mgalekgolo for ''[[Halo 4]]''.
File:H4_Hunter_Concept_1.jpg|''Halo 4'' concept art.
File:H4_Hunter_Concept_2.jpg|''Halo 4'' concept art.
File:H4_Hunter_Concept_3.jpg|''Halo 4'' concept art.
File:H4-Render-Hunter.jpg|Render of the hi-poly model of a Mgalekgolo in ''Halo 4''.
File:H2A - Mgalekgolo 1.jpg|3D render of the Mgalekgolo's body armor in ''[[Halo 2: Anniversary]]''.
File:H2A - Mgalekgolo 2.jpg|Final render of the Mgalekgolo in ''Halo 2: Anniversary''.
File:H5G Hunter Concept 3.jpg|Concept art of a corrupted Mgalekgolo for ''[[Halo 5: Guardians]]''.
File:HW2C-Hunters.jpg|Concept art of a Banished Mgalekgolo for ''[[Halo Wars 2]]''.
File:HINF Concept EarlyHunters.jpg|Early concept art exploration of Mgalekgolo for ''[[Halo Infinite]]''.
File:HINF Concept EarlyHunters2.jpg|More early concept exploration.
File:HINF Concept EarlyHunter.jpg|More early concept exploration.
File:HINF Concept HunterThings.jpg|Early concept exploration of something relating to the Mgalekgolo, possibly of the Lekgolo worms themselves.
</gallery>


*[[Taming of the Hunters]]
===Screenshots and official artwork===
*[[Fuel Rod Gun]]
<gallery>
*[[Fuel Rod Cannon]]
File:HaloCE-MgalekgoloHunter.png|Final in-game view of the Mgalekgolo in ''Halo: Combat Evolved'', with [[assault cannon|gun]] raised.
*[[Assault Cannon]]
File:HCE-MgalekgoloHunterAlt.png|Alternate preview of the Mgalekgolo in ''Halo: Combat Evolved'', crouched behind its massive shield.
File:Hunter1.jpg|A Mgalekgolo in ''Halo: Combat Evolved''.
File:HCE-IgidoOgado.png|Bond Brothers Igido Nosa Hurru and Ogado Nosa Fasu in ''Halo: Combat Evolved''.
File:H2-AltMgalekgoloHunter.png|An in-game view of the Mgalekgolo in combat stance in ''Halo 2''.
File:H2-MgalekgoloHunter.png|An in-game view of the Mgalekgolo running in ''Halo 2''.
File:Huntercrouched.jpg|A Mgalekgolo preparing to launch a melee attack in ''Halo 2''.
File:H3-BlueHunter.png|An in-game view of the blue-armored Mgalekgolo in ''[[Halo 3]]''.
File:Hunter FireCharge.jpg|A Mgalekgolo about to fire its assault cannon.
File:H3_Hunter_AssaultBeam.jpg|A Mgalekgolo firing its assault cannon.
File:Hunter BloodBond.jpg|A Mgalekgolo pair in combat in ''Halo 3''.
File:HW Hunter Render.jpg|A pair of Mgalekgolo from ''Halo Wars''.
File:HW Hunter Model.png|The Mgalekgolo's final model from ''Halo Wars''.
File:HW Hunterscloseup.jpg|Closeup of Hunters in-game
File:HW bondedshield.jpg|Hunters with Bonded Shield Upgrade
File:HW Huntergroup.jpg|Squads of Hunters on the move
File:H3ODST-GoldHunter.png|An in-game view of the gold-armored Mgalekgolo in ''[[Halo 3: ODST]]''.
File:Gold Hunter.png|A pair of gold Mgalekgolo in ''Halo 3: ODST''.
File:Hunter blood.jpg|Mgalekgolo blood in ''Halo 3: ODST''. Note the blood's luminosity.
File:HLHunters.png|A larger form of Mgalekgolo in the ''The Duel''.
File:HBL-Bestthingever.png|A Mgalekgolo carrying three [[Unggoy Minor]]s during the [[Battle of Line Installation 1-4]] in ''[[Halo: Blood Line]]''.
File:HReach - Mgalekgolo.png|A Mgalekgolo in the [[Halo: Reach Beta|''Halo: Reach'' Beta]].
File:HReach-MgalekgoloHunter.png|An in-game view of the Mgalekgolo in ''[[Halo: Reach]]'' final build.
File:HunterPairReach.jpg|A group of Mgalekgolo ready to attack in ''Halo: Reach''.
File:HunterFirefight.jpg|A Mgalekgolo about to launch a melee attack in ''Halo: Reach''.
File:Hunter99.jpg|A Mgalekgolo on [[Corvette (map)|Corvette]].
File:Ceahunter.png|Mgalekgolo in ''[[Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary]]''.
File:HCEA-MgalekgoloHunter.png|In-game preview of the Mgalekgolo in ''Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary''.
File:HCEA-OgadoIgido.png|Bond Brothers Igido Nosa Hurru and Ogado Nosa Fasu protect the Cartographer Facility in ''Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary''.
File:HCEA-IgidoOgadoMelee.png|Bond Brothers Igido Nosa Hurru and Ogado Nosa Fasu preparing to launch simultaneous melee attacks.
File:FUD-Hunter.jpg|A Mgalekgolo in ''[[Halo 4: Forward Unto Dawn]]''.
File:FUD-Hunter-Closeup.jpg|A close-up of a Mgalekgolo's helmet in ''Halo 4: Forward Unto Dawn''.
File:H4 profile - Mgalekgolo.png|A Mgalekgolo in ''Halo 4''
File:H4-Campaign-MasterChief-Vs-Hunter.jpg|[[John-117]] battling a Mgalekgolo during the [[Raid on Ivanoff Station]].
File:HE19 PalmerfightsHunter.jpg|[[Sarah Palmer]] fighting a Mgalekgolo in a [[War Games]] simulation in ''[[Halo: Escalation]]''.
File:H2A Render Mgalekgolo.png|A render of the Mgalekgolo in ''Halo 2: Anniversary''.
File:H2A Mgalekgolo.png|Render of the Mgalekgolo in ''Halo 2: Anniversary''.
File:H2A-SOSMgalekgolo.png|Mgalekgolo at the Bastion of the Brutes.
File:H2A-TallMgalekgolo.png|A Mgalekgolo standing straight.
File:H2A-Mgalekgoloface.png|A close-up of a Mgalekgolo's helmet in ''Halo 2: Anniversary''.
File:H2A Terminals - First Hunters.jpg|Pre-Covenant Mgalekgolo in [[Terminal (Halo 2: Anniversary)|''Halo 2: Anniversary''{{'}}s terminals]].
File:H5G-MgalekgoloHunter.png|A Mgalekgolo in ''[[Halo 5: Guardians]]''.
File:H5G-Hunterforming.png|A Mgalekgolo being formed aboard the ''[[Argent Moon]]''.
File:H5G-BerserkHunter.png|A Hunter going berserk aboard the ''Argent Moon'' as their bond has been broken.
File:Hunters 249.png|First pair of Hunters engaged by [[Fireteam Osiris]] on the [[landing zone]] at Sanghelios.
File:Brave warrior.png|An enraged Mgalekgolo and a Swords of Sanghelios Sangheili Storm dueling.
File:H5G-TrappedMgalekgolo.png|A Hunter trapped by [[031 Exuberant Witness]] on [[Genesis]].
File:H5G-WarzoneHunters.png|Two Legendary Mgalekgolo part of a War Games simulation.
File:H5G-WarzoneHunter.png|A Serpent Mgalekgolo on [[Escape from ARC]].
File:H5G-ElderHunter.jpg|A hologram of an Elder Mgalekgolo.
FilE:ElderHunterA.png|An Elder Mgalekgolo on [[Raid on Apex 7]].
FilE:ElderHunterB.png|Another Elder Mgalekgolo on Raid on Apex 7.
File:H5G-Mgalekgolo.png|Render of a Remnant Mgalekgolo in ''Halo 5: Guardians''.
File:H5-Serpent Hunter.png|Render of a Serpent Mgalekgolo in ''Halo 5: Guardians''.
File:H5G-MythicMgalekgolo.png|A Mythic Mgalekgolo in ''Halo 5: Guardians''.
File:HW2B Banished Hunters.png|Banished Mgalekgolo in the ''[[Halo Wars 2 Open Beta]]''.
File:HW2-Hunter Render.jpg|Render of the ''Halo Wars 2'' Hunter unit.
File:HW2 Blitz Hunters.png|[[Blitz]] card of a Banished Mgalekgolo in ''Halo Wars 2''.
File:HW2 - Colony.png|"Colony" the Banished [[leader]] of the Lekgolo.
File:HW2-HuntersvsMarines.png|Hunters fighting Marines on Installation 00.
File:HW2-Colonyhunters.png|A Hunter Captain, Goliath, and Hunter bond brother pair in ''Halo Wars 2''.
File:HCL Icons 6.jpg|The Hunter figure from the sixth [[Halo Legendary Crate]].
File:HINF Hunter.png|A Banished Mgalekgolo in ''Halo Infinite''.
File:HINF Hunters.png|A pair of Banished Mgalekgolo in ''Halo Infinite''.
File:HINF DamagedHunter.png|A Banished Mgalekgolo's exposed back.
File:HINF HunterSlam.png|A Mgalekgolo melees the ground.
File:HINF BerserkHunter.png|A Mgalekgolo berserks after its bond brother was killed.
File:HINF-Hunters@Spire.jpg|Banished Mgalekgolo at the base of a [[Reformation Spire]].
File:HINF Nexus hunter piston.png|A Banished Mgalekgolo guarding a [[piston]].
File:HINF BanishedHunters.png|Ardent Mgalekgolo in water.
File:HINF-HunterOfficers.jpg|Ardent Mgalekgolo patrolling.
File:Enc22-Mgalekgolo.png|A Mgalekgolo worm as they appear in the [[Halo Encyclopedia (2022 edition)]].
File:HINF-TrolliHunter.jpg|A Mgalekgolo made out of [[Wikipedia:Trolli|Trolli]] candies.
</gallery>


{{Covenant}}
==List of appearances==
{{col-begin}}
{{col-2}}
*''[[Halo: The Fall of Reach]]'' {{1st}}
*''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]''
*''[[Halo: The Flood]]''
*''[[Halo: First Strike]]''
*''[[Halo 2]]''
**''[[Conversations from the Universe]]'' {{Mo}}
*''[[Halo: Ghosts of Onyx]]''
*''[[Halo: Uprising]]''
*''[[Halo 3]]''
**''[[Bestiarum]]''
*''[[Halo: Contact Harvest]]''
*''[[Halo Wars: Genesis]]''
*''[[Halo Wars]]''
*''[[Halo 3: ODST]]''
*''[[Halo Legends]]''
**''[[Origins]]''
**''[[The Duel]]''
**''[[Prototype]]''
*''[[Halo: Evolutions - Essential Tales of the Halo Universe]]''
**''[[Blunt Instruments]]''
**''[[The Return]]'' {{mo}}
**''[[Wages of Sin]]'' {{mo}}
*''[[Halo: Blood Line]]''
*''[[Halo: Reach]]''
*''[[Halo: Fall of Reach]]''
**''[[Halo: Fall of Reach - Covenant|Covenant]]''
**''[[Halo: Fall of Reach - Invasion|Invasion]]''
{{col-2}}
*''[[Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary]]''
*''[[Halo 4: Forward Unto Dawn]]''
*''[[Halo 4]]''
**''[[Spartan Ops]]''
*''[[Halo: Escalation]]''
*''[[Halo: Broken Circle]]''
*''[[Halo: Nightfall]]'' {{Mo}}
*''[[Halo 2: Anniversary]]''
**''[[Terminal (Halo 2: Anniversary)|Terminals]]''
*''[[Halo: New Blood]]''
*''[[Halo 5: Guardians]]''
*''[[Halo: Ground Command]]''
*''[[Halo Mythos]]''
*''[[Halo: Fractures]]''
**''[[Breaking Strain]]'' {{Mo}}
*''[[Halo: Tales from Slipspace]]''
*''[[Halo: Smoke and Shadow]]''
*''[[Halo Wars 2]]''
*''[[Halo: Envoy]]'' {{Mo}}
*''[[Halo: Legacy of Onyx]]'' {{Mo}}
*''[[Halo: Recruit]]'' {{C|Non-canonical appearance}}
*''[[Halo: Fireteam Raven]]''
*''[[Halo: Battle Born]]''
*''[[Halo: Outpost Discovery]]''
*''[[Halo: Point of Light]]'' {{Mo}}
*''[[Halo Infinite]]''
*''[[Halo: The Television Series]]''
**''[[Emergence]]''
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==Sources==
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[[Category:Living Organisms]]
{{Lekgolo}}
{{Navbox/Species}}


[[Category:The Covenant]]
[[Category:Mgalekgolo| ]]
[[Category:Lekgolo]]
[[Category:Sapient species]]
[[Category:Covenant species]]

Latest revision as of 22:23, January 3, 2024

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This article is about the species. For the armor, see HUNTER-class Mjolnir.
Mgalekgolo
(Ophis congregatio)
Render of a Mgalekgolo in Halo Infinite. Included as part of the magazine kit linked to in this tweet.
Physical information

Avg. height:

12'1" (368.7 cm)-12'3" (373.4 cm)[1][2]

Avg. weight:

10,000 pounds (4,500 kg)-11,000 pounds (5,000 kg)[1][2]

Distinctions:

A single entity created by a unified colony of small worm-like creatures called Lekgolo

Sociocultural information

Homeworld:

Te

Notable individuals:

Also known as:

Hunter
Can o' Worms
Ogre
Worm-guts

 

"They're all scary and angry and they like to smash things."
— Bungie[3]

The Mgalekgolo[4] (Ophis congregatio, meaning "serpent union"),[5] is a gestalt of Lekgolo, which are small worm-like creatures that group together to exponentially increase their intelligence, strength, and maneuverability. Of the myriad Lekgolo collectives, the best known is the Mgalekgolo or Hunter, a bipedal form that is used for heavy assault. Ironically, the Mgalekgolo is among the least common Lekgolo configurations, but due to their formidable combat capabilities they are most commonly fielded by the Covenant.[4] While the term "Mgalekgolo" is formally limited to this particular type of Lekgolo gestalt with the other forms having different names,[2][4] it is sometimes applied to other Lekgolo colonies as well, such as that used to operate the Deutoros-pattern Scarab, or the Goliaths employed by the Banished.[6]

History[edit]

"The Hunters have come to our aid, Arbiter. They will fight by our side."
— A Special Operations Sangheili during the Battle of Installation 05.[7]

After the formation of the Covenant, early experiments with the Luminaries reverse-engineered from the Forerunner Dreadnought in High Charity led the Covenant to the Lekgolo homeworld Te, which was located near Urs, the home system of the Sangheili. While the San'Shyuum and Sangheili hoped to find a treasure trove of Forerunner artifacts, they instead found hives of Lekgolo inside orbital rings surrounding the planet. The rings were in fact the destroyed remains of an ancient Forerunner installation in orbit. The relics had been the Lekgolo's food for millennia, and the orbital rings were actually composed of digested-and-destroyed Forerunner relics that some of the Lekgolo had been consuming.[8]

Jeht facing off against naked Mgalekgolo in their natural unarmored form.

Enraged by the Lekgolo's "desecration" of Forerunner relics, the Covenant began a military campaign against the Lekgolo. After facing considerable difficulty eradicating the creatures,[4][8] Arbiter Jeht 'Lcmutee was sent to study the Lekgolo for a full year on Rantu, one of Te's moons. It was there that the Arbiter witnessed the Lekgolo combine into Mgalekgolo to battle him, forming around a series of rocks to support their bipedal forms.[9] Recognizing the potential of the gestalts, 'Lcmutee returned to High Charity and suggested that the Lekgolo be inducted into the Covenant. However, the Lekgolo initially resisted, leading to a conflict between them and the Covenant. While the Mgalekgolo won most of the time on the ground, they faced extinction and were forced into the Covenant by the superior starship technology of the Sangheili.[10] This event later came to be known amongst the Covenant as the "Taming of the Lekgolo". The Covenant may have used Sharquoi armor designs for the Mgalekgolo armor.[11]

The Mgalekgolo gestalts, armed with thick armor plates and assault cannons, would come to serve the Covenant as shock troops. Numerous Mgalekgolo participated in the Human-Covenant War. During the Great Schism, most Mgalekgolo pairs sided with the Sangheili, though others remained with the Prophet of Truth and the main body of the Covenant.[7] There is no known reason for the split in loyalty.[4]

During the further conflicts in the wake of the Human-Covenant War many Mgalekgolo would fight on behalf of Jul 'Mdama's new Covenant order against humanity and Swords of Sanghelios. These Mgalekgolo participated in the battles of Requiem, Nuusra, Sunaion, and Genesis.[12][13] Others would remain loyal to Arbiter Thel 'Vadam and his Swords of Sanghelios.[14] Several would join Vata 'Gajat's mercenary group and partake in the Battle of Ealen IV.[15] Mgalekgolo that were a part of the Banished were unusually aggressive and may have been forced into service.[16] These Mgalekgolo would be deployed by the Banished against the crew of the UNSC Spirit of Fire during the Second Ark Conflict.[17] During Operation: SPEARBREAKER, a Banished Mgalekgolo known as Colony led an effort to destroy the Spirit of Fire with a Forerunner Despair-class fighter.[18]

During the Battle for Zeta Halo in May 2560, the Master Chief faced a number of Mgalekgolo in service of the Banished. His new AI companion, the Weapon, was confused when he identified the creatures as Hunters, having no idea what a Banished or a Hunter even was and then deciding that she didn't want to know the answer to what they hunted. One of the targets of opportunity that the Master Chief went after on the Halo ring was a Mgalekgolo pair known as Myriad who, much like Colony, trended towards a more individualized identity rather than being a part of a subservient hivemind. Another Mgalekgolo pair were sent after the Master Chief by War Chief Escharum in the arena on the second level of the House of Reckoning while the Master Chief was fighting his way through the Banished stronghold in order to rescue Fernando Esparza.[19]

Description[edit]

Culture[edit]

Main article: Lekgolo#Culture

Mgalekgolo almost never associate or communicate with other species other than the Sangheili. They are dismissive, scornful, and arrogant to the "lesser" species, and are contemptuous to their foes.[10]

Anatomy and physiology[edit]

Lekgolo worms on a Mgalekgolo's exposed back.
Main article: Lekgolo

A Mgalekgolo is not a single organism, but rather a collective of small, orange, eel-like creatures called Lekgolo. In order to form a Mgalekgolo, dozens of individual Lekgolo bond with one another both physically and neurologically to form a single "hive-minded" community.[20] The Mgalekgolo is the most common form seen in combat during the Human-Covenant War, but is actually one of the rarer and smaller forms in the Lekgolo society, used primarily in interaction with the Covenant hierarchy.[4] Their primary combat tactic is an approximation of a hunter-killer formation, hence the name "Hunter".[2] Because of their combined neural nets' sensitivity to their surroundings, Mgalekgolo can think and work as an effective combat unit without even using verbal communication. They can also locate their enemies even without directly "seeing" them, such as when they are facing the opposite direction.

Mgalekgolo do not use vocal chords to speak, but instead vibrate their bodies to make a low rumble to produce speech. They are capable of mimicking the language of other species, forming words and sentences that are "felt" rather than heard. Their quiet nature among other races of the Covenant is probably a result of difficulty speaking with other Covenant races. The known names of some Mgalekgolo seem to imply that they use very simple vowels and only a few consonants.

Mgalekgolo usually stand between twelve to thirteen feet tall, but during combat they hunch themselves over to protect their vulnerable neck and midsection, reducing their height to roughly eight feet. They fight using assault cannons integrated directly into their armor, and they carry an enormous two-ton pavise shield made of an alloy derived from the same material that forms Covenant warship hulls.[2] Mgalekgolo body armor is eight centimeters thick, with the shield being even thicker.[21] Their shields and armor protect them from almost every form of plasma-based or ballistic weaponry available to Covenant and human infantry alike, and the shield is a powerful melee tool capable of crushing anything in its path and allowing the Mgalekgolo to neutralize most enemies in close combat. However their heavy protection is inadequate against dedicated anti-tank weapons, with 102mm HEAT warheads,[22] 105mm recoiless rifles,[23] and 90mm high-velocity tank cannons taking them out with ease.[24] The M149 Magellan 105mm recoiless rifle is even capable of over-penetrating both the pavise and the armor with a delayed fuse round.[25] There are a few weak spots in the armor however, such as the lower back where they are vulnerable to regular weaponry. However, due to their sheer size and speed, it is difficult for enemies to hit these spots. Their arm-mounted shield was the basis for an avenue of UNSC research which produced an early prototype shield of human origin.[26]

The assault cannon the Mgalekgolo wields operates in two modes; one firing a single explosive capsule of incendiary fluid,[12][27][28] the other spraying the fluid out like a beam.[29][30][31]

Bond brothers[edit]

When a single Mgalekgolo becomes too big, the colony will divide in half to create two independent Lekgolo colonies. These colonies will share an extremely close and mysterious bond, referred to only as being "bond brothers", or "mates".[32] Mgalekgolo that have split into "bond brothers" are recognized by spiked appendages that rise from their shoulders, which means that they are bonded to another Mgalekgolo.[8] Bonded Mgalekgolo colonies are dropped into battle together by the Covenant, as the Spartans learned: where you find a Mgalekgolo, there is always another close by. If one of the bonded colonies is killed, the other will go into a frenzied state, much like the berserk state of a Jiralhanae, or the suicidal charge of a desperate Unggoy. If left alone for a long period of time, however, they will adopt a "tactical split personality" of shooting followed by melee attacks. On one occasion a Mgalekgolo whose bond brother was killed went berserk killing its allies aboard the crashed Radiant Perception and eventually became suicidal.[33]

Naming[edit]

Mgalekgolo have three names: a personal name, a bond name, and a line name. When written with the Roman or Latin alphabet, the three names can be transposed together as one single name or separated by spaces.

  • The personal name is given at their "birth".[10]
  • The bond name, or their middle name, is taken between bonded pairs. Examples of some Mgalekgolo names include Igido Nosa Hurru and Ogada Nosa Fasu.[34]
  • The line name represents the genetic heritage, being the name of the most successful Mgalekgolo of its ancestors. If one reaches a certain level of status, its offspring will have its personal name as their line name.[10]

Ranking system[edit]

Edward Buck fighting a golden Hunter on Tayari Plaza.

Unlike most Covenant forces, Mgalekgolo seem to possess presumably no visible rank. As they are deployed more like equipment or weapons platforms rather than conventional troops, rank may simply not apply for them.[citation needed]

However, they can be deployed independently of other Covenant troops, which may indicate that a level of independence and responsibility may be granted, thus meaning that they may have a high enough rank to be trusted by themselves. During the Battle of Sigma Octanus IV, Mgalekgolo are seen guarding the crystal in Côte d'Azur, which is retrieved by Blue Team. One of these Mgalekgolo killed a Kig-Yar by stepping on it,[35] demonstrating the Lekgolo colonies' characteristic disregard for the lives of other species, whom they generally view as annoyances rather than allies.[2] During the Onyx Conflict, some Mgalekgolo apparently had command of lower-ranking Sangheili, even killing one of them for failing to follow orders, signifying they may have a higher military rank in the Covenant military than previously indicated.[36]

During the Battle of Mombasa, Mgalekgolo appeared in two different forms in two different colors: the normal blue-armored Mgalekgolo that are armed with an assault cannon that fires a continuous stream of radioactive incendiary gel, and a gold-armored Mgalekgolo armed with an assault cannon that fires a single bolt of radioactive incendiary gel.[28]

By 2559 the Banished utilized Mgalekgolo Captains under the command of "Colony". These Captains are linked directly to "Colony" and Banished Lekgolo colonies operate at full efficiency while Captains are on the field.[37] Several Mgalekgolo under the command of Jul 'Mdama's Covenant were given the rank of Swarmlord, and were employed as simulated enemies in UNSC War Games.

Trivia[edit]

Production notes[edit]

Language Equivalent
Flag of France.png
French 		Les Hunters in Halo: Combat Evolved.

Les Chasseurs in all media since Halo 2.

Flag of Spain.png
Spanish 		Los cazadores in Halo: Combat Evolved and Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary.

Los Hunters in all media since Halo 2.

Main-Legendary.png See our gameplay information related to Mgalekgolo on its gameplay page.
Main-Superintendent.png Browse more images in this article's gallery page.
  • Halo: The Flood, mentions that Mgalekgolo have skin and a jutting spine. This is incorrect, as they were later revealed to be a compound of small worm-like creatures. However, this does not preclude the possibility that the worms may form a skin-like membrane on the outside of their colony for protection against more casual damage, and in Halo 3 a metal column can be seen after the back armor plating has been detached, perhaps forming an artificial "spine" for vertical support. Strangely, the reference to Mgalekgolo having spines was kept in the 2010 re-release of the novel.[38]
  • At first, Mgalekgolo were meant to comprise the whole of Heretic forces on the Threshold gas mine.[39]
  • The Mgalekgolo was inspired by the Pfhor Hunter from the Marathon series, as well as by the Drinniol, or Hulk, from the original Marathon. However, the Pfhor Hunter is actually a class of power armored soldier with a shoulder-mounted cannon rather than an arm-mounted cannon. The Drinniol also inspired the creation of the Drinol, Covenant species that was designed for Halo: Combat Evolved but was cut during development.
  • No Mgalekgolo are ever seen supporting the Master Chief during the events of Halo 3. This is because in the making of Halo 3, Bungie did not want to confuse players by having them with both allies and enemies.
  • Despite appearing on the cover of Halo: Spartan Assault none actually appear in game.
  • In the Halo Legends episode The Duel, the Mgalekgolo are shown to be at least 50 feet tall. This was explained by Frank O'Connor saying that a Hunter's appearance changes due to the gravity and environment.

Gameplay[edit]

  • When combating Mgalekgolo, a player can 'leapfrog' the charging melee attack, either jumping above or to the side of the Mgalekgolo. This exposes the rear armor to a quick shotgun blast or grenade stick, often resulting in death on lower difficulties. Although this tactic does not work as well on Halo 3: ODST, simply circling around behind the Mglekgolo at the right time works the same way.
  • In Halo 3, it is possible to splatter a Mgalekgolo with an M274 Mongoose.
  • In Halo: Combat Evolved, Mgalekgolo are not harmed by fuel rod guns. This may be because you're not supposed to have fuel rod guns in campaign, or it may be a precaution meant to prevent Mgalekgolo from injuring each other when fighting.
  • Mgalekgolo have ranks in the actor variant tags. One variant is called 'Hunter' and another called 'Hunter major'.
  • In Halo: Combat Evolved, a single shot from a pistol or sniper rifle to any unarmored section will kill a Mgalekgolo; this is because Bungie programmed the Mgalekgolo's exposed flesh as a "head."
  • In Halo 2, a Mgalekgolo's mass is enough to kill other characters if they push them against a surface. This can sometimes be seen in The Great Journey, where friendly Mgalekgolo may accidentally crush Sangheili against walls.
  • In Halo 2, it is impossible to kill or even damage Mgalekgolo with melee attacks.
  • In Halo Wars, a Mgalekgolo's shield can deflect projectiles that would almost always kill them in previous games, like Wraith Mortars and shots from the M808B Scorpion's main cannon.
  • In Halo: Reach, Mgalekgolo have received a huge graphical overhaul. They are much more textured, are larger, have Forerunner symbols and emblems on their armor and appear to have some kind of eyes on their helmets.
  • Mgalekgolo are also much tougher in Reach. They are capable of surviving multiple explosive hits and even repeated plasma grenade sticks. Their back armor is much more durable, making their weak point harder to expose. They will also raise their shield vertically when being attacked from the front, covering both their neck and mid-section to protect themselves from incoming fire and are less likely to turn around and expose their back to the player.
  • In Halo: Reach, a near-miss from a Mgalekgolo's melee will cause the player's screen to violently shake.
  • Although the Mgalekgolo present in Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary use the Halo: Reach skin, they are almost half the size of their Halo: Reach counterparts due to the much smaller skeleton frame used in the original game. Their abdomens also appear to be armored, though this armor doesn't protect from damage and it's purely cosmetic.
  • In Halo 4, Mgalekgolo perform melee attacks much faster than their predecessors, making it harder to dodge them. Like in Halo Reach, a near-miss from a melee will cause the player's screen to violently shake.
  • In Halo 2: Anniversary, Mgalekgolo received a new skin that also incorporates abdominal armor, though this armor is also purely cosmetic and offers no protection whatsoever.
  • In Halo 5: Guardians, Mgalekgolo are far more lethal than their predecessors. Their melee strikes are now nearly impossible to dodge. They also utilize both firing modes of their assault cannons. They also appear to be far more durable than their predecessors. In addition, when one is killed, the remaining Mgalekgolo will go into a "rage", start emitting green electrical sparks, move faster and more aggressively, and will fire its assault cannon's close range attack twice in each volley.
  • In Halo: Combat Evolved and Halo 3: ODST, players can avoid Hunters at certain points during Assault on the Control Room and Mombasa Streets, where some Hunters are "asleep" despite ostensibly being in their combat stance. The Hunters will not notice if the player is nearby unless the player attacks them or makes noises near them, similar to the way sleeping Grunts can be awakened by noises. In the Halo: Combat Evolved level Assault on the Control Room on the lower level of the control room, the player can score a double-kill with one shot from a sniper rifle if they manage to catch a pair of "asleep" Hunters off-guard.
  • In Halo: Combat Evolved, splatter kills against Hunters are extremely easy due to the game mechanics allowing a small prod to instantly kill them. They often choose to avoid vehicles rather than engaging them head-on.
  • In Halo: Combat Evolved, when engaging Pod infectors at close range, Hunters will often try to shoot rather than melee them, killing themselves in the process. This could be due to their size making it difficult for them to aim properly.
  • In Halo: Combat Evolved, Hunters are far more vulnerable than they are in later games. On any difficulty (even Legendary), they can be killed with a single shot to any unarmored part of their bodies. They are so vulnerable that even a single pistol shot can kill them.
  • In later games, the best strategy for dealing with Hunters when there is no access to a weapon such as a rocket launcher is to stick them with a Anskum-pattern plasma grenade. The explosion will blow the back of their armor above the weak spot off, giving the player a wider area to target with their weapons. However, they still remain difficult to kill due to the need to dodge their attacks while aiming for the weak spot.
  • In the Halo: Reach level New Alexandria, the player runs into a situation where they fight four Hunters at once instead of just two. There is a rocket launcher available in the room this occurs in which is sufficient with proper targeting.
  • In Halo 3: ODST, Hunters are fairly easy to deal with compared to the later games in the Halo series, likely reflecting the fact that the player is no longer controlling a Spartan and is instead controlling weaker ODSTs. On lower difficulties at least, a good strategy is to blow off the back of a Hunter's armor with a Anskum-pattern plasma grenade and then rake their exposed back with fire. In that game, it doesn't take much fire to kill one once their back is fully exposed, especially compared to Halo: Reach when in a similar situation, Hunters are extremely hard to kill.
  • A good weapon to use against Hunters when a rocket launcher or fuel rod gun is not available is a shotgun, particularly after a Hunter's armor has been blown off in the back. Ideal for close-range combat, shotgun blasts inflict more damage than weapons such as an assault rifle. In order to get a Hunter to expose their weakness, a player typically needs to get close enough to make the Hunter charge, generally ending with them in close proximity even when the Hunter is vulnerable. At this kind of proximity, a shotgun is ideal for its stopping power and close-combat effectiveness. In the Halo: Reach levels ONI: Sword Base and The Pillar of Autumn, shotguns can be found in close proximity to where the player encounters and fights Hunters.

Miscellaneous[edit]

  • Like most other races of the Covenant, Mgalekgolo's blood differs from that of humans. Mgalekgolo blood is bright, fluorescent orange and appears to have a very thick, slimy texture. It has also been noted that their blood smells strongly of burnt plastic, hinting that the make-up of their bodily fluids is drastically different from that of a human.

Gallery[edit]

Development images[edit]

  • Early concept art of a Hunter for Halo: Combat Evolved.

    Early concept art of a Hunter for Halo: Combat Evolved.

  • Concept art of a Hunter for Halo: Combat Evolved.

    Concept art of a Hunter for Halo: Combat Evolved.

  • Concept art of a Hunter for Halo: Combat Evolved.

    Concept art of a Hunter for Halo: Combat Evolved.

  • Concept art of a Hunter for Halo: Combat Evolved.

    Concept art of a Hunter for Halo: Combat Evolved.

  • A pair of Mgalekgolo in an early build of Halo: Combat Evolved.

    A pair of Mgalekgolo in an early build of Halo: Combat Evolved.

  • A conceptual render of a Mgalekgolo in Halo: Combat Evolved.

    A conceptual render of a Mgalekgolo in Halo: Combat Evolved.

  • Finalized concept art of a Mgalekgolo for Halo 2.

    Finalized concept art of a Mgalekgolo for Halo 2.

  • Early sketch of a Mgalekgolo for Halo Wars.

    Early sketch of a Mgalekgolo for Halo Wars.

  • Concept art of a Mgalekgolo for Halo Wars.

    Concept art of a Mgalekgolo for Halo Wars.

  • Concept art of a Hunter in Halo Legends episode, The Duel.

    Concept art of a Hunter in Halo Legends episode, The Duel.

  • Concept art of the Mgalekgolo for Halo 4.

    Concept art of the Mgalekgolo for Halo 4.

  • Halo 4 concept art.

    Halo 4 concept art.

  • Halo 4 concept art.

    Halo 4 concept art.

  • Halo 4 concept art.

    Halo 4 concept art.

  • Render of the hi-poly model of a Mgalekgolo in Halo 4.

    Render of the hi-poly model of a Mgalekgolo in Halo 4.

  • 3D render of the Mgalekgolo's body armor in Halo 2: Anniversary.

    3D render of the Mgalekgolo's body armor in Halo 2: Anniversary.

  • Final render of the Mgalekgolo in Halo 2: Anniversary.

    Final render of the Mgalekgolo in Halo 2: Anniversary.

  • Concept art of a corrupted Mgalekgolo for Halo 5: Guardians.

    Concept art of a corrupted Mgalekgolo for Halo 5: Guardians.

  • Concept art of a Banished Mgalekgolo for Halo Wars 2.

    Concept art of a Banished Mgalekgolo for Halo Wars 2.

  • Early concept art exploration of Mgalekgolo for Halo Infinite.

    Early concept art exploration of Mgalekgolo for Halo Infinite.

  • More early concept exploration.

    More early concept exploration.

  • More early concept exploration.

    More early concept exploration.

  • Early concept exploration of something relating to the Mgalekgolo, possibly of the Lekgolo worms themselves.

    Early concept exploration of something relating to the Mgalekgolo, possibly of the Lekgolo worms themselves.

Screenshots and official artwork[edit]

  • Final in-game view of the Mgalekgolo in Halo: Combat Evolved, with gun raised.

    Final in-game view of the Mgalekgolo in Halo: Combat Evolved, with gun raised.

  • Alternate preview of the Mgalekgolo in Halo: Combat Evolved, crouched behind its massive shield.

    Alternate preview of the Mgalekgolo in Halo: Combat Evolved, crouched behind its massive shield.

  • A Mgalekgolo in Halo: Combat Evolved.

    A Mgalekgolo in Halo: Combat Evolved.

  • Bond Brothers Igido Nosa Hurru and Ogado Nosa Fasu in Halo: Combat Evolved.

    Bond Brothers Igido Nosa Hurru and Ogado Nosa Fasu in Halo: Combat Evolved.

  • An in-game view of the Mgalekgolo in combat stance in Halo 2.

    An in-game view of the Mgalekgolo in combat stance in Halo 2.

  • An in-game view of the Mgalekgolo running in Halo 2.

    An in-game view of the Mgalekgolo running in Halo 2.

  • A Mgalekgolo preparing to launch a melee attack in Halo 2.

    A Mgalekgolo preparing to launch a melee attack in Halo 2.

  • An in-game view of the blue-armored Mgalekgolo in Halo 3.

    An in-game view of the blue-armored Mgalekgolo in Halo 3.

  • A Mgalekgolo about to fire its assault cannon.

    A Mgalekgolo about to fire its assault cannon.

  • A Mgalekgolo firing its assault cannon.

    A Mgalekgolo firing its assault cannon.

  • A Mgalekgolo pair in combat in Halo 3.

    A Mgalekgolo pair in combat in Halo 3.

  • A pair of Mgalekgolo from Halo Wars.

    A pair of Mgalekgolo from Halo Wars.

  • The Mgalekgolo's final model from Halo Wars.

    The Mgalekgolo's final model from Halo Wars.

  • Closeup of Hunters in-game

    Closeup of Hunters in-game

  • Hunters with Bonded Shield Upgrade

    Hunters with Bonded Shield Upgrade

  • Squads of Hunters on the move

    Squads of Hunters on the move

  • An in-game view of the gold-armored Mgalekgolo in Halo 3: ODST.

    An in-game view of the gold-armored Mgalekgolo in Halo 3: ODST.

  • A pair of gold Mgalekgolo in Halo 3: ODST.

    A pair of gold Mgalekgolo in Halo 3: ODST.

  • Mgalekgolo blood in Halo 3: ODST. Note the blood's luminosity.

    Mgalekgolo blood in Halo 3: ODST. Note the blood's luminosity.

  • A larger form of Mgalekgolo in the The Duel.

    A larger form of Mgalekgolo in the The Duel.

  • A Mgalekgolo carrying three Unggoy Minors during the Battle of Line Installation 1-4 in Halo: Blood Line.

    A Mgalekgolo carrying three Unggoy Minors during the Battle of Line Installation 1-4 in Halo: Blood Line.

  • A Mgalekgolo in the Halo: Reach Beta.

    A Mgalekgolo in the Halo: Reach Beta.

  • An in-game view of the Mgalekgolo in Halo: Reach final build.

    An in-game view of the Mgalekgolo in Halo: Reach final build.

  • A group of Mgalekgolo ready to attack in Halo: Reach.

    A group of Mgalekgolo ready to attack in Halo: Reach.

  • A Mgalekgolo about to launch a melee attack in Halo: Reach.

    A Mgalekgolo about to launch a melee attack in Halo: Reach.

  • A Mgalekgolo on Corvette.

    A Mgalekgolo on Corvette.

  • In-game preview of the Mgalekgolo in Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary.

    In-game preview of the Mgalekgolo in Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary.

  • Bond Brothers Igido Nosa Hurru and Ogado Nosa Fasu protect the Cartographer Facility in Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary.

    Bond Brothers Igido Nosa Hurru and Ogado Nosa Fasu protect the Cartographer Facility in Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary.

  • Bond Brothers Igido Nosa Hurru and Ogado Nosa Fasu preparing to launch simultaneous melee attacks.

    Bond Brothers Igido Nosa Hurru and Ogado Nosa Fasu preparing to launch simultaneous melee attacks.

  • A Mgalekgolo in Halo 4: Forward Unto Dawn.

    A Mgalekgolo in Halo 4: Forward Unto Dawn.

  • A close-up of a Mgalekgolo's helmet in Halo 4: Forward Unto Dawn.

    A close-up of a Mgalekgolo's helmet in Halo 4: Forward Unto Dawn.

  • A Mgalekgolo in Halo 4

    A Mgalekgolo in Halo 4

  • John-117 battling a Mgalekgolo during the Raid on Ivanoff Station.

    John-117 battling a Mgalekgolo during the Raid on Ivanoff Station.

  • Sarah Palmer fighting a Mgalekgolo in a War Games simulation in Halo: Escalation.

    Sarah Palmer fighting a Mgalekgolo in a War Games simulation in Halo: Escalation.

  • A render of the Mgalekgolo in Halo 2: Anniversary.

    A render of the Mgalekgolo in Halo 2: Anniversary.

  • Render of the Mgalekgolo in Halo 2: Anniversary.

    Render of the Mgalekgolo in Halo 2: Anniversary.

  • Mgalekgolo at the Bastion of the Brutes.

    Mgalekgolo at the Bastion of the Brutes.

  • A Mgalekgolo standing straight.

    A Mgalekgolo standing straight.

  • A close-up of a Mgalekgolo's helmet in Halo 2: Anniversary.

    A close-up of a Mgalekgolo's helmet in Halo 2: Anniversary.

  • Pre-Covenant Mgalekgolo in Halo 2: Anniversary's terminals.

    Pre-Covenant Mgalekgolo in Halo 2: Anniversary's terminals.

  • A Mgalekgolo in Halo 5: Guardians.

    A Mgalekgolo in Halo 5: Guardians.

  • A Mgalekgolo being formed aboard the Argent Moon.

    A Mgalekgolo being formed aboard the Argent Moon.

  • A Hunter going berserk aboard the Argent Moon as their bond has been broken.

    A Hunter going berserk aboard the Argent Moon as their bond has been broken.

  • First pair of Hunters engaged by Fireteam Osiris on the landing zone at Sanghelios.

    First pair of Hunters engaged by Fireteam Osiris on the landing zone at Sanghelios.

  • An enraged Mgalekgolo and a Swords of Sanghelios Sangheili Storm dueling.

    An enraged Mgalekgolo and a Swords of Sanghelios Sangheili Storm dueling.

  • A Hunter trapped by 031 Exuberant Witness on Genesis.

    A Hunter trapped by 031 Exuberant Witness on Genesis.

  • Two Legendary Mgalekgolo part of a War Games simulation.

    Two Legendary Mgalekgolo part of a War Games simulation.

  • A Serpent Mgalekgolo on Escape from ARC.

    A Serpent Mgalekgolo on Escape from ARC.

  • A hologram of an Elder Mgalekgolo.

    A hologram of an Elder Mgalekgolo.

  • An Elder Mgalekgolo on Raid on Apex 7.

    An Elder Mgalekgolo on Raid on Apex 7.

  • Another Elder Mgalekgolo on Raid on Apex 7.

    Another Elder Mgalekgolo on Raid on Apex 7.

  • Render of a Remnant Mgalekgolo in Halo 5: Guardians.

    Render of a Remnant Mgalekgolo in Halo 5: Guardians.

  • Render of a Serpent Mgalekgolo in Halo 5: Guardians.

    Render of a Serpent Mgalekgolo in Halo 5: Guardians.

  • A Mythic Mgalekgolo in Halo 5: Guardians.

    A Mythic Mgalekgolo in Halo 5: Guardians.

  • Banished Mgalekgolo in the Halo Wars 2 Open Beta.

    Banished Mgalekgolo in the Halo Wars 2 Open Beta.

  • Render of the Halo Wars 2 Hunter unit.

    Render of the Halo Wars 2 Hunter unit.

  • Blitz card of a Banished Mgalekgolo in Halo Wars 2.

    Blitz card of a Banished Mgalekgolo in Halo Wars 2.

  • "Colony" the Banished leader of the Lekgolo.

    "Colony" the Banished leader of the Lekgolo.

  • Hunters fighting Marines on Installation 00.

    Hunters fighting Marines on Installation 00.

  • A Hunter Captain, Goliath, and Hunter bond brother pair in Halo Wars 2.

    A Hunter Captain, Goliath, and Hunter bond brother pair in Halo Wars 2.

  • The Hunter figure from the sixth Halo Legendary Crate.

    The Hunter figure from the sixth Halo Legendary Crate.

  • A Banished Mgalekgolo in Halo Infinite.

    A Banished Mgalekgolo in Halo Infinite.

  • A pair of Banished Mgalekgolo in Halo Infinite.

    A pair of Banished Mgalekgolo in Halo Infinite.

  • A Banished Mgalekgolo's exposed back.

    A Banished Mgalekgolo's exposed back.

  • A Mgalekgolo melees the ground.

    A Mgalekgolo melees the ground.

  • A Mgalekgolo berserks after its bond brother was killed.

    A Mgalekgolo berserks after its bond brother was killed.

  • Banished Mgalekgolo at the base of a Reformation Spire.

    Banished Mgalekgolo at the base of a Reformation Spire.

  • A Banished Mgalekgolo guarding a piston.

    A Banished Mgalekgolo guarding a piston.

  • Ardent Mgalekgolo in water.

    Ardent Mgalekgolo in water.

  • Ardent Mgalekgolo patrolling.

    Ardent Mgalekgolo patrolling.

  • A Mgalekgolo worm as they appear in the Halo Encyclopedia (2022 edition).

    A Mgalekgolo worm as they appear in the Halo Encyclopedia (2022 edition).

  • A Mgalekgolo made out of Trolli candies.

    A Mgalekgolo made out of Trolli candies.

List of appearances[edit]

Sources[edit]

  1. ^ a b Halo Encyclopedia (2009 edition), page 141
  2. ^ a b c d e f Halo Waypoint: Lekgolo/Mgalekgolo
  3. ^ Bungie.net, Bungie Weekly Update 08/14/09
  4. ^ a b c d e f Bestiarum
  5. ^ HBO Forums: Bestiaium Latin names translated
  6. ^ Halo: The Essential Visual Guide, page 163
  7. ^ a b Halo 2, campaign level The Great Journey
  8. ^ a b c Halo: Contact Harvest, pages 269-271
  9. ^ Halo 2: Anniversary: Terminal 8
  10. ^ a b c d Halo: Combat Evolved: Sybex Official Strategies & Secrets
  11. ^ Halo: Envoy, page 186
  12. ^ a b Halo 4
  13. ^ Halo 5: Guardians, H5
  14. ^ Halo Waypoint Store - Swords of Sanghelios Tee
  15. ^ Halo: Escalation, Issue 2
  16. ^ Halo Wars 2, Phoenix Logs - Hunters
  17. ^ Halo Wars 2
  18. ^ Halo Wars 2: Operation: SPEARBREAKER
  19. ^ Halo Infinite
  20. ^ Halo: Contact Harvest, page 267
  21. ^ Halo: Ghosts of Onyx, page 218
  22. ^ Halo: The Flood, page 183
  23. ^ Halo: The Flood, page 363
  24. ^ Halo: The Flood, page 242
  25. ^ Halo Legends: Prototype
  26. ^ Halo 2 for Windows Vista, Easy difficulty shield (File link)
  27. ^ Halo: Combat Evolved
  28. ^ a b Halo 3: ODST
  29. ^ Halo 5: Guardians
  30. ^ Halo 2
  31. ^ Halo 3
  32. ^ Halo: The Flood, "Chapter ??", page ??
  33. ^ Halo: Smoke and Shadow, page ???
  34. ^ Halo: The Flood, page 163
  35. ^ Halo: The Fall of Reach, page 222
  36. ^ Halo: Ghosts of Onyx, page 358
  37. ^ Halo Waypoint Canon Fodder - Leggo my Lekgolo
  38. ^ Halo: The Flood (2010), page 181
  39. ^ Halo 3 Essentials: Disk ??

v • d • e
 
Lekgolo
Gestalt forms
Mgalekgolo ranks and roles

Hunter: "Flak" • Aggravator • Remnant • Serpent • Devastator • Ironclad • Scarred • Duelist • Premier • Particular • Ardent • Captain • Elder • Swarmlord

Other: Goliath
Other forms

v • d • e
 
Sapient species of the Milky Way
Humanity
Covenant species
Ancient species
Protogenic
Other
Unidentified species
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