Gameplay

Normal: Difference between revisions

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[[File:Halo 3 - Normal Symbol.png|thumb|The original Normal shield.]]
[[File:Halo 3 - Normal Symbol.png|thumb|The original Normal shield.]]


Normal is not too hard, but correspondingly not as easy. The enemies will behave competently, which will require the player to put forth the effort and think on their feet. While Normal mode represents strength, firepower, and health for [[John-117|Master Chief]], [[Sangheili|Elites]], and all other [[Covenant]] and [[UNSC Marine Corps|Marines]], Heroic accurately depicts intelligence, enemy accuracy, and enemy numbers.
Normal is not too hard, but correspondingly not as easy. Enemies will behave more competently than they did in Easy, and they can deal a reasonable amount of damage. Players are expected to put forth the effort and think on their feet. While Normal mode accurately represents strength, firepower, and health for [[John-117|Master Chief]], [[Sangheili|Elites]], and all other [[Covenant]] and [[UNSC Marine Corps|Marines]], Heroic accurately depicts intelligence, enemy accuracy, and enemy numbers.


The icon for the Normal difficulty setting is represented with a shield that has the [[Marathon]] Logo encrusted into the center. Over the shield is a [[United Nations Space Command|UNSC]] [[machete]] from right to left; in ''Halo 3: ODST'', the knife is replaced with an [[M7S SMG]].
The icon for the Normal difficulty setting is represented with a shield that has the [[Marathon]] Logo encrusted into the center. Over the shield is a [[United Nations Space Command|UNSC]] [[machete]] from right to left; in ''Halo 3: ODST'', the knife is replaced with an [[M7S SMG]].


The most dangerous threat at close range are Elites with [[Type-1 energy sword|Energy Sword]]s. From a distance, the player must also watch out for either [[Kig-Yar Sniper|Jackal Sniper]]s with [[Sulok-pattern beam rifle|Beam]] [[Zubo-pattern beam rifle|Rifle]]s or [[Crawler Snipe]]s, [[Armiger Sniper]]s, and/or [[Knight Lancer]]s with [[Z-750 binary rifle|Binary Rifle]]s. Grunts can easily be dispatched of and will seldom throw [[Anskum-pattern plasma grenade|Plasma Grenades]]. But they and will more often than not run away in fear if the Elite or [[Jiralhanae|Brute]] leading them is killed, which is also fairly easy. [[Yanme'e|Drones]], [[Promethean Watcher]]s, [[Promethean Crawler]]s, and [[Kig-Yar|Jackals]] (with the exception of snipers for the latter two) are generally the second easiest to kill, even with their unique capabilities. Elites, Brutes, [[Mgalekgolo|Hunters]], [[Armiger Soldier]]s, and [[Promethean Knight]]s are around the same overall in difficulty to kill. It mainly depends on a player's weaknesses as to which enemy is harder to kill.
Elites, [[Jiralhanae|Brutes]], and [[Mgalekgolo|Hunters]] are the more challenging enemies the player must prioritize on taking down first. The most dangerous threats at close range are Elites with [[Type-1 energy sword|Energy Sword]]s and Brutes armed with [[Gravity hammer (fiction)|Gravity Hammers]]. From a distance, the player must also watch out for Hunters with their [[Assault cannon|Fuel Rod Cannons]], Brutes armed with [[Jovokada Workshop brute shot|Brute Shots]], and [[Kig-Yar Sniper|Jackal Sniper]]s. Grunts can easily be dispatched of. However, they will seldom throw [[Anskum-pattern plasma grenade|Plasma Grenades]] and can potentially overwhelm a careless player in groups. But if the Elite or Brute leading them is slain, they will often flee in terror. [[Yanme'e|Drones]] will come in swarms, but they are manageable if the player can engage them properly. [[Kig-Yar|Jackals]] can easily be dispatched if the player can utilize the weakness on their [[Kig-Yar point defense gauntlet|shielding]]. However, precautions should be made on [[Kig-Yar Major|Majors]], as will often rely on charging their [[Eos'Mak-pattern plasma pistol|Plasma Pistol]] shots to disable the player's shields.


When the player encounters the [[Flood]], the biggest threats to consider are [[Combat Forms]] armed with [[M41 SPNKR|Rocket Launchers]] and [[M90 Shotgun|Shotguns]]. [[Plasma]] weapons can work well, but human weapons are preferred. The most effective weapon is the Energy Sword, which will kill a Combat Form in one hit. The second most effective is the Shotgun. The last most effective weapon is the [[Paegaas Workshop Spiker|Spiker]]. The Flood's unarmed attacks are not that worrying on their own, but if large groups attack the player or they gets hit from behind, then the player has an extremely high chance of being killed.
When the player encounters the [[Flood]], the biggest threats to consider are [[Attacker form|Combat Forms]] armed with [[M41 SPNKR|Rocket Launchers]] and [[M90 Shotgun|Shotguns]]. The Shotgun and Energy Sword are generally the best weapons to take down the Combat Forms and [[Flood carrier form|Carrier Forms]], while the [[MA5B assault rifle|Assault Rifle]], [[M7 SMG|SMG]], and the [[Okarda'phaa-pattern plasma rifle|Plasma Rifle]] can dispatch swarms of [[Pod infector|Infection Forms]]. As the Flood often comes in large swarms, it is best to avoid getting surrounded or cornered, as that will lead players to get killed quicker.  


Marines are well-balanced as allies. They can easily take out Grunts, Jackals, and occasionally a [[Sangheili Minor|Minor Elite]] in squads, but will quickly fall against Brutes, Hunters, and higher ranking Elites. This will require players to prioritize on fighting the stronger enemies while having the allies focus on the weaker enemies.
[[Sentinel|Sentinels]] will often come in swarms of at least 2 to 3. In clusters, they can easily drain the player's shields. But if the player can access plasma weapons, they can quickly eliminate them.
 
Marines are well-balanced as allies. They can dispatch a [[File (unit)|file]] of Grunts, Jackals, and Drones with minimal effort. And in squads, they are very likely to prevail against lower ranking Elites and Brutes. However, they will not fare well if facing against higher ranking Elites and Brutes, and Hunters. To maximize the Marines' effectiveness and survival, the player must prioritize on engaging the stronger enemies while letting the Marines focus only on the weaker ones. Alternatively, the player must often provide allies with the appropriate weaponry to efficiently take out such stronger enemies.


==''Halo: Combat Evolved'' and ''Halo: Anniversary''==
==''Halo: Combat Evolved'' and ''Halo: Anniversary''==

Latest revision as of 21:38, November 28, 2023

The Normal shield, as per Halo: The Master Chief Collection's release.

"Hordes of aliens vie to destroy you, but nerves of steel and a quick trigger finger give you a solid chance to prevail."
— Description from Halo: Combat Evolved, Halo 2, Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary, and Halo: The Master Chief Collection.

"Face firm resistance from competent, determined enemies, but burn through enough ammo and you will eventually triumph."
— Description from Halo 3, Halo 3: ODST and Halo: Reach

"Face firm resistance from determined enemies. Fight hard and you will triumph"
— Description from Halo 4

"Hordes of enemy forces converge to destroy you. Show no mercy. Recommended for players with first person shooter experience."
— Description from Halo 5: Guardians

"The enemy will not relent, but a considered strategy should earn you a victory. Recommended for players with RTS experience."
— Description from Halo Wars 2

"Brutal enemies threaten humanity and test your indomitable spirit. First-person shooter experience recommended."
— Description from Halo Infinite

Normal is the default difficulty rating on Halo: Combat Evolved, 2, 3, 4, Halo 3: ODST, Halo Wars, Halo: Reach, Halo 5: Guardians, Halo Wars 2, and Halo Infinite. It is ranked second in the list of four difficulties.

Summary[edit]

The original Normal shield.

Normal is not too hard, but correspondingly not as easy. Enemies will behave more competently than they did in Easy, and they can deal a reasonable amount of damage. Players are expected to put forth the effort and think on their feet. While Normal mode accurately represents strength, firepower, and health for Master Chief, Elites, and all other Covenant and Marines, Heroic accurately depicts intelligence, enemy accuracy, and enemy numbers.

The icon for the Normal difficulty setting is represented with a shield that has the Marathon Logo encrusted into the center. Over the shield is a UNSC machete from right to left; in Halo 3: ODST, the knife is replaced with an M7S SMG.

Elites, Brutes, and Hunters are the more challenging enemies the player must prioritize on taking down first. The most dangerous threats at close range are Elites with Energy Swords and Brutes armed with Gravity Hammers. From a distance, the player must also watch out for Hunters with their Fuel Rod Cannons, Brutes armed with Brute Shots, and Jackal Snipers. Grunts can easily be dispatched of. However, they will seldom throw Plasma Grenades and can potentially overwhelm a careless player in groups. But if the Elite or Brute leading them is slain, they will often flee in terror. Drones will come in swarms, but they are manageable if the player can engage them properly. Jackals can easily be dispatched if the player can utilize the weakness on their shielding. However, precautions should be made on Majors, as will often rely on charging their Plasma Pistol shots to disable the player's shields.

When the player encounters the Flood, the biggest threats to consider are Combat Forms armed with Rocket Launchers and Shotguns. The Shotgun and Energy Sword are generally the best weapons to take down the Combat Forms and Carrier Forms, while the Assault Rifle, SMG, and the Plasma Rifle can dispatch swarms of Infection Forms. As the Flood often comes in large swarms, it is best to avoid getting surrounded or cornered, as that will lead players to get killed quicker.

Sentinels will often come in swarms of at least 2 to 3. In clusters, they can easily drain the player's shields. But if the player can access plasma weapons, they can quickly eliminate them.

Marines are well-balanced as allies. They can dispatch a file of Grunts, Jackals, and Drones with minimal effort. And in squads, they are very likely to prevail against lower ranking Elites and Brutes. However, they will not fare well if facing against higher ranking Elites and Brutes, and Hunters. To maximize the Marines' effectiveness and survival, the player must prioritize on engaging the stronger enemies while letting the Marines focus only on the weaker ones. Alternatively, the player must often provide allies with the appropriate weaponry to efficiently take out such stronger enemies.

Halo: Combat Evolved and Halo: Anniversary[edit]

General differences[edit]

Awards[edit]

  • In Halo: Anniversary:
  • In Halo: The Master Chief Collection:
    • The Birth of a Spartan achievement is awarded for completing Halo: Anniversary on Normal.
      • The blue Normal nameplate is awarded to the player.
    • If the player has completed all other Normal campaign missions or playlists and obtained the associated achievements, they will also unlock the Veteran achievement.
      • Additionally, the platinum Normal nameplate is awarded to the player.

Halo 2[edit]

General differences[edit]

Awards[edit]

  • In Halo 2: Vista:
    • The Warrior achievement is awarded for completing the game on Normal.
  • In Halo: The Master Chief Collection:
    • The Warrior achievement is awarded for completing the game on Normal.
      • The bronze Normal nameplate is awarded to the player.
    • If the player has completed all other Normal campaign missions or playlists and obtained the associated achievements, they will also unlock the Veteran achievement.
      • Additionally, the platinum Normal nameplate is awarded to the player.

Halo 3 and Halo 3: ODST[edit]

The Halo 3: ODST Normal shield.

General differences[edit]

Awards[edit]

  • In Halo 3:
    • Completing Tsavo Highway on Normal will unlock the EVA chest for multiplayer use.
    • Completing The Ark on Normal will unlock the EVA shoulders for multiplayer use.
    • Completing the campaign on Normal will unlock the EVA helmet for multiplayer use.
    • The Campaign Complete: Normal achievement is awarded for completing the game on Normal.
  • In Halo 3: ODST:
  • In Halo 3 on Halo: The Master Chief Collection:
    • The Prophet's Bane achievement is awarded for completing all levels of Halo 3 on Normal.
      • The silver Normal nameplate is awarded to the player.
    • If the player has completed all other Normal campaign missions or playlists and obtained the associated achievements, they will also unlock the Veteran achievement.
      • Additionally, the platinum Normal nameplate is awarded to the player.
  • In Halo 3: ODST on Halo: The Master Chief Collection:
    • The Urban Warfare Badge achievement is awarded for completing all levels of Halo 3: ODST on Normal.
      • The silver Superintendent nameplate is awarded to the player.

Halo: Reach[edit]

The Halo: Reach Normal shield. Notice the lack of the Marathon symbol.

General differences[edit]

Awards[edit]

Halo 4[edit]

General differences[edit]

Awards[edit]

  • In Halo 4:
    • The Wake Up, John achievement is awarded for completing Halo 4 on Normal.
  • In Halo: The Master Chief Collection:
    • The Wake Up, John achievement is awarded for completing Halo 4 on Normal.
      • The gold Normal nameplate is awarded to the player.
    • If the player has completed all other Normal campaign missions or playlists and obtained the associated achievements, they will also unlock the Veteran achievement.
      • Additionally, the platinum Normal nameplate is awarded to the player.

Halo 5: Guardians[edit]

The Halo 5: Guardians Normal shield.

General differences[edit]

Awards[edit]

  • The Legacy achievement is awarded for completing Halo 5: Guardians on Normal.

Halo Wars 2[edit]

The Halo Wars 2 Normal shield.

General differences[edit]

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Halo Infinite[edit]

General differences[edit]

Help.png This section needs expansion. You can help Halopedia by expanding it.

Awards[edit]

The Bare Your Fangs achievement is awarded for completing Halo Infinite on Normal.

Trivia[edit]

  • In Halo 3, Normal difficulty or higher is required for the player to collect skulls.
  • Halo Wars and Halo Wars 2 are some of the only Halo titles to not include achievements for completing the campaign on Normal.
Halo games' difficulty levels
Easy • Normal • Heroic • Legendary • Mythic • GASO
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