For other games' customization systems, see armor permutations. For other skins in other games, see Skins.
Skins in Halo: Combat Evolved allow players to customize their Spartan player model and the appearance of weapons and vehicles in-game. At the launch of Halo: The Master Chief Collection, the armor of Combat Evolved was displayed as a static image in the game's menu. Following in the footsteps of the launch of Halo: Reach for PC, Halo: Combat Evolved had its menu elements updated to fully render Spartan customization options in 3D in Unreal Engine 4. The launch of Season 2: Spark on July 14, 2020, saw the addition of visor, weapon and vehicle skins for Halo: Combat Evolved.
Overview
The armor customization of the original 2001 Halo: Combat Evolved release originally only allowed for the player to change their Spartan's color via a player profile. Halo: The Master Chief Collection would turn the color option into one that could be used regardless of a profile. During June 2020, in an update for the game dedicated to the impending PC release of Halo 3 on The Master Chief Collection, 343 Industries revealed their intention to add the ability to change visor colors to Combat Evolved, in an effort to grant players the ability to show off unique options in each game. These new visor options were stated to be added to Season 2 of The Master Chief Collection's season unlock system.
While visor colors can be changed, the change has been stated to not alter the player's Heads-up display color, and can also be toggled off via an option in the game's menu, for those wishing to keep the game as it was. The skins for weapons and vehicles apply to any weapon the player picks up - they retain their skin when dropped, but will switch to a new skin should another player take control of them.
Known skins
Armor colors
| In-game | Appearance Name | Unlock Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| N/A | Black | Unlocked by default |
| N/A | Red | Unlocked by default |
| N/A | Blue | Unlocked by default |
| N/A | Gray | Unlocked by default |
| N/A | Yellow | Unlocked by default |
| N/A | Green | Unlocked by default |
| N/A | Pink | Unlocked by default |
| N/A | Purple | Unlocked by default |
Visor colors
| In-game | Appearance Name | Unlock Requirements | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| N/A | Default | Unlocked by default | Unlocked by default |
 |
Blue | Season 2, Tier 1 ( 1) |
Part of a suite of experimental VISR enhancements. |
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Dark Blue | Season 2, Tier 5 ( 1) |
Part of a suite of experimental VISR enhancements. |
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Green | Season 2, Tier 7 ( 1) |
Part of a suite of experimental VISR enhancements. |
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Dark Green | Season 2, Tier 12 ( 1) |
Part of a suite of experimental VISR enhancements. |
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Purple | Season 2, Tier 15 ( 1) |
Part of a suite of experimental VISR enhancements. |
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Bronze | Season 2, Tier 19 ( 1) |
Part of a suite of experimental VISR enhancements. |
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Dark Purple | Season 2, Tier 22 ( 1) |
Part of a suite of experimental VISR enhancements. |
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Red | Season 2, Tier 24 ( 1) |
Part of a suite of experimental VISR enhancements. |
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Yellow | Season 2, Tier 28 ( 1) |
Part of a suite of experimental VISR enhancements. |
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Orange | Season 2, Tier 33 ( 1) |
Part of a suite of experimental VISR enhancements. |
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Dark Yellow | Season 2, Tier 38 ( 1) |
Part of a suite of experimental VISR enhancements. |
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Pastel Blue | Season 2, Tier 40 ( 1) |
Part of a suite of experimental VISR enhancements. |
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Silver | Season 2, Tier 44 ( 1) |
Part of a suite of experimental VISR enhancements. |
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Dark Red | Season 2, Tier 47 ( 1) |
Part of a suite of experimental VISR enhancements. |
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Pastel Green | Season 2, Tier 50 ( 1) |
Part of a suite of experimental VISR enhancements. |
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Dark Orange | Season 2, Tier 53 ( 1) |
Part of a suite of experimental VISR enhancements. |
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Pearlescent Yellow | Season 2, Tier 57 ( 1) |
Part of a suite of experimental VISR enhancements. |
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Platinum | Season 2, Tier 60 ( 1) |
Part of a suite of experimental VISR enhancements. |
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Pastel Orange | Season 2, Tier 63 ( 1) |
Part of a suite of experimental VISR enhancements. |
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Pearlescent Red | Season 2, Tier 66 ( 1) |
Part of a suite of experimental VISR enhancements. |
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Spectrum | Season 2, Tier 70 ( 1) |
Part of a suite of experimental VISR enhancements. |
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Pearlescent Purple | Season 2, Tier 72 ( 1) |
Part of a suite of experimental VISR enhancements. |
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Pastel Purple | Season 2, Tier 75 ( 1) |
Part of a suite of experimental VISR enhancements. |
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Pearlescent Orange | Season 2, Tier 78 ( 1) |
Part of a suite of experimental VISR enhancements. |
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Groovy | Season 2, Tier 81 ( 1) |
Part of a suite of experimental VISR enhancements. |
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Pearlescent Green | Season 2, Tier 85 ( 1) |
Part of a suite of experimental VISR enhancements. |
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Pastel Red | Season 2, Tier 89 ( 1) |
Part of a suite of experimental VISR enhancements. |
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Pastel Yellow | Season 2, Tier 93 ( 1) |
Part of a suite of experimental VISR enhancements. |
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Pearlescent Blue | Season 2, Tier 96 ( 1) |
Part of a suite of experimental VISR enhancements. |
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Onyx | Season 2, Tier 100 ( 1) |
Part of a suite of experimental VISR enhancements. |
Weapon skins
Pistol
Skins for the Magnum pistol.
| In-game | Appearance Name | Unlock Requirements | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| N/A | Default | Unlocked by default | Default skin. |
 |
Golden | Season 2 Challenge: Trusty Sidekick Defeat 500 opponents with the Pistol in any game mode. The Exchange ( |
Bling on the ring. |
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Woodland | Season 2, Tier 41 ( 1) |
Camping is a legitimate strategy. |
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Desert | Season 2, Tier 2 ( 1) |
Looks very stylish with a poncho. |
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Great Journey | Season 2, Tier 14 ( 1) |
Don't worry... I know what the aliens like. |
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Black Cherry | Season 2, Tier 91 ( 1) |
Get a grip. Shoot from the hip. |
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Hazard Pay | Season 2, Tier 36 ( 1) |
Safety first! |
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Toy Soldier | Season 2, Tier 62 ( 1) |
They're not dolls, they're action figures! |
Assault Rifle
Skins for the Assault Rifle.
| In-game | Appearance Name | Unlock Requirements | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| N/A | Default | Unlocked by default | Default skin. |
 |
Golden | Season 2 Challenge: Thanks, Misriah Defeat 300 opponents with the Assault Rifle in any game mode. The Exchange ( |
Bling on the ring. |
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Woodland | Season 2, Tier 29 ( 1) |
Camping is a legitimate strategy. |
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Desert | Season 2, Tier 1 ( 1) |
Looks very stylish with a poncho. |
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Great Journey | Season 2, Tier 83 ( 1) |
Don't worry... I know what the aliens like. |
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Corrosion | Season 2, Tier 69 ( 1) |
The Oxidation Sensation. |
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Squirt | Season 2, Tier 46 ( 1) |
It's good under pressure. |
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Lucky Shot | Season 2, Tier 100 ( 1) |
But you had something they didn't... |
Plasma Pistol
Skins for the Plasma Pistol.
| In-game | Appearance Name | Unlock Requirements | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| N/A | Default | Unlocked by default | Default skin. |
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Ultra | Season 2, Tier 65 ( 1) |
The Evocati don't mess around. |
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Brutal | Season 2, Tier 11 ( 1) |
A Jiralhanae's best friend. |
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Schism | Season 2, Tier 58 ( 1) |
For those seeking redemption. |
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Zealot | Season 2, Tier 60 ( 1) |
Glory in an honorable death. |
Plasma Rifle
Skins for the Plasma Rifle.
| In-game | Appearance Name | Unlock Requirements | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| N/A | Default | Unlocked by default | Default skin. |
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Ultra | Season 2, Tier 90 ( 1) |
The Evocati don't mess around. |
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Brutal | Season 2, Tier 39 ( 1) |
A Jiralhanae's best friend. |
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Schism | Season 2, Tier 73 ( 1) |
For those seeking redemption. |
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Zealot | Season 2, Tier 79 ( 1) |
Glory in an honorable death. |
Rocket Launcher
Skins for the Rocket Launcher.
| In-game | Appearance Name | Unlock Requirements | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| N/A | Default | Unlocked by default | Default skin. |
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Hunter's Blood | Season 2, Tier 32 ( 1) |
Well armed. Well armored. |
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Corrosion | Season 2, Tier 77 ( 1) |
The Oxidation Sensation. |
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Desert | Season 2, Tier 13 ( 1) |
Looks very stylish with a poncho. |
Sniper Rifle
Skins for the Sniper Rifle.
| In-game | Appearance Name | Unlock Requirements | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| N/A | Default | Unlocked by default | Default skin. |
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Golden | Season 2 Challenge: Zero Five Eight Defeat 150 opponents with the Sniper Rifle in any game mode. The Exchange ( |
Bling on the ring. |
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Woodland | Season 2, Tier 52 ( 1) |
Camping is a legitimate strategy. |
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Desert | Season 2, Tier 10 ( 1) |
Looks very stylish with a poncho. |
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Great Journey | Season 2, Tier 42 ( 1) |
Don't worry... I know what the aliens like. |
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Avalanche | Season 2, Tier 80 ( 1) |
Like Sidewinder, but with more polygons. |
Shotgun
Skins for the Shotgun.
| In-game | Appearance Name | Unlock Requirements | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| N/A | Default | Unlocked by default | Default skin. |
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Golden | Season 2 Challenge: Hot Shotty Defeat 150 opponents with the Shotgun in any game mode. The Exchange ( |
Bling on the ring. |
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Woodland | Season 2, Tier 37 ( 1) |
Camping is a legitimate strategy. |
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Desert | Season 2, Tier 17 ( 1) |
Looks very stylish with a poncho. |
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Great Journey | Season 2, Tier 8 ( 1) |
Don't worry... I know what the aliens like. |
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Hunter's Blood | Season 2, Tier 87 ( 1) |
Well armed. Well armored. |
Needler
Skins for the Needler.
| In-game | Appearance Name | Unlock Requirements | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| N/A | Default | Unlocked by default | Default skin. |
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Ultra | Season 2, Tier 55 ( 1) |
The Evocati don't mess around. |
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Brutal | Season 2, Tier 16 ( 1) |
A Jiralhanae's best friend. |
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Schism | Season 2, Tier 34 ( 1) |
For those seeking redemption. |
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Zealot | Season 2, Tier 25 ( 1) |
Glory in an honorable death. |
Flamethrower
Skins for the Flamethrower.
| In-game | Appearance Name | Unlock Requirements | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| N/A | Default | Unlocked by default | Default skin. |
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Dear John | Season 2, Tier 30 ( 1) |
Halo: Grasslands. |
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White Hot | Season 2, Tier 48 ( 1) |
So hot, so pristine. |
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Hot Pepper | Season 2, Tier 20 ( 1) |
It's sure to leave scar tissue. |
Fuel Rod Gun
Skins for the Fuel Rod Gun
| In-game | Appearance Name | Unlock Requirements | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| N/A | Default | Unlocked by default | Default skin. |
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Ultra | Season 2, Tier 49 ( 1) |
The Evocati don't mess around. |
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Brutal | Season 2, Tier 9 ( 1) |
A Jiralhanae's best friend. |
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Schism | Season 2, Tier 26 ( 1) |
For those seeking redemption. |
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Zealot | Season 2, Tier 31 ( 1) |
Glory in an honorable death. |
Vehicle skins
Warthog
Skins for the Warthog.
| In-game | Appearance Name | Unlock Requirements | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| N/A | Default | Unlocked by default | Default skin. |
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Hot Rod | Season 2, Tier 61 ( 1) |
Burning rubber in Blood Gulch. |
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Park Ranger | Season 2, Tier 11 ( 1) |
Conservation agents at the Uplift Nature Reserve typically opt for tranquilizer rounds. |
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Rally Hog | Season 2, Tier 86 ( 1) |
One deadly homologation special. |
Rocket Warthog
Skins for the Rocket Warthog.
| In-game | Appearance Name | Unlock Requirements | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| N/A | Default | Unlocked by default | Default skin. |
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Superstar | Season 2, Tier 92 ( 1) |
Let's go party. |
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Shark | Season 2, Tier 40 ( 1) |
You're gonna need a bigger ship. |
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Field Medic | Season 2, Tier 29 ( 1) |
Also employed by rescue teams traversing challenging colonial terrain. |
Scorpion
Skins for the Scorpion tank.
| In-game | Appearance Name | Unlock Requirements | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| N/A | Default | Unlocked by default | Default skin. |
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Bengal | Season 2, Tier 31 ( 1) |
The Real King of the Jungle. |
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Grim Reaper | Season 2, Tier 70 ( 1) |
Why so jolly, Roger? |
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Arctic | Season 2, Tier 20 ( 1) |
Over snow by winter sown. |
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The Package | Season 2, Tier 97 ( 1) |
Say the words, please... |
Banshee
Skins for the Banshee.
| In-game | Appearance Name | Unlock Requirements | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| N/A | Default | Unlocked by default | Default skin. |
 |
Brutal | Season 2, Tier 81 ( 1) |
A Jiralhanae's best friend. |
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Schism | Season 2, Tier 21 ( 1) |
For those seeking redemption. |
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Zealot | Season 2, Tier 51 ( 1) |
Glory in an honorable death. |
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Ultra | Season 2, Tier 95 ( 1) |
The Evocati don't mess around. |
Ghost
Skins for the Ghost.
| In-game | Appearance Name | Unlock Requirements | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| N/A | Default | Unlocked by default | Default skin. |
 |
Brutal | Season 2, Tier 19 ( 1) |
A Jiralhanae's best friend. |
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Schism | Season 2, Tier 10 ( 1) |
Lines will be drawn, sides will be taken. |
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Zealot | Season 2, Tier 80 ( 1) |
Glory in an honorable death. |
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Ultra | Season 2, Tier 94 ( 1) |
The Evocati don't mess around. |
Unused skins
Within the game files for Halo: The Master Chief Collections menus exist a number of placeholder icons for unused skins on a number of weapons. These textures are all placeholder pink squares, and thus have no discernable appearance. Their filenames are listed below (Note: the T_ prefix is an Unreal Engine 4 naming convention denoting a texture file);
T_Im_WeaponSkin_h1FlamethrowerGolden.pngT_Im_WeaponSkin_h1FlamethrowerInsurrection.pngT_Im_WeaponSkin_h1FuelRodGunGolden.pngT_Im_WeaponSkin_h1NeedlerGolden.pngT_Im_WeaponSkin_h1RocketLauncherGolden.pngT_Im_WeaponSkin_h1RocketLauncherGreatJourney.pngT_Im_WeaponSkin_h1RocketLauncherWoodland.png
Removed
For one reason or another certain skins were removed from the game. Below is a list of those skins.
| In-game | Type | Appearance Name | Original Unlock Requirements | Description | Removal details |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
Warthog | Park Ranger | Season 2, Tier 11 ( 1) |
Spared no expanse. | Removed during the Season 5: Anvil update with a new Park Ranger skin. |
 |
Rocket Warthog | Clever Girl | Season 2, Tier 29 ( 1) |
Objects in mirror are closer than they appear. | Removed during the Season 5: Anvil update with the Field Medic skin. |
Trivia
- The "Hot Rod" skin for the Warthog is the second instance in the Halo series in which a Warthog was given a flame-themed paint job, the first of which was the appearance of Fireball Warthog in Halo Wars.
- The description of the "Woodland" skins is a reference to a Season 3 Episode 9 of Red vs. Blue, in which a Blue Zealot calls the act "a legitimate strategy" after being accused of camping.
- The description of "Great Journey" skins is a direct quote from Sergeant Major Avery Johnson in the Epilogue of Halo 3: ODST, and refers to the common use of purple in Covenant design.
- The description of the "Lucky Shot" skins is a direct quote from Cortana's narration in the Halo 3 level Arrival.
- The description of the "Dear John" skin is a wordplay on the novel Halo: Glasslands. The name "Dear John" is a reference to John Deere, a manufacturer of agricultural machinery recognizable for their distinctive green and yellow paint jobs.
- The original appearance of the "Park Ranger" Warthog skin is a reference to the tour cars in the 1993 film Jurassic Park, and its description is a quote from John Hammond, the owner of the eponymous fictional theme park. Likewise, the original appearance of the "Clever Girl" Rocket Warthog skin is a reference to the jeeps in the same film, its name is a quote from the character Robert Muldoon after being outsmarted by a Velociraptor, and its description is a reference to the scene where Muldoon, Sadler, and Malcolm are chased by the Tyrannosaurus rex.
- For unknown reasons, in Season 5: Anvil, the skin descriptions and appearances for both the Warthog and Rocket Warthog were changed. The Warthog's "Park Ranger" skin has been changed to a brown and yellow color set, while the "Clever Girl" Rocket Hog skin was renamed to "Field Medic", and given small "H" icons in place of the shield icons.
- The appearance of the "Rally Hog" Warthog skin is a homage to the distinctive blue and yellow liveries worn by cars run by the Subaru World Rally Team.
- The description of the "Shark" Rocket Warthog skin is a direct quote from Brody in the 1975 film Jaws.
- The description of the "The Package" Scorpion skin is a direct quote from Catherine Halsey in the Halo: Reach level The Package.
- The description of the "Hot Pepper" Flamethrower skin is a reference to the Red Hot Chili Peppers song "Scar Tissue".
- The description of the "Arctic" Scorpion is a reference to "The Road Goes Ever On", a song from the J. R. R. Tolkien's literary universe, better known by The Lord of the Rings novel trilogy.
- The description of the "Desert" skins is a reference to John-117's appearance in 2013's Halo Xbox One announcement trailer.
Gallery
The menu of Combat Evolved prior to the addition of visor colors.
The menu of Combat Evolved with new visor colors added.
