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A Covenant watchtower employed during the Fall of Reach.

The Covenant military and its remnants deployed a type of watchtower,^[1]^[2] or lookout tower,^[3] on the battlefield.^[4]

Overview

Design details

A watchtower is comprised of protected circular platform and a gravity base. As a rather ordinary example of platform suspension within the Covenant, the gravity base features an anti-gravity generator in its center, from which the circular platform is suspended in the air at a stable and static position. The anti-gravity generator functions also as a gravity lift, transporting supplies and troops freely and swiftly through a gap in the center of the platform.^[4]

The perimeter of the base is comprised of three ramps and three pillars placed in a motif: one ramp to one pillar. The protected platforms demonstrate a variety of design. The platform typically has three protective pillars and large gaps between them. The pillars are taller and thinner compared to the ones of the base and with larger gaps.^[5] The gap is used for snipers to have a clear line of sight and for Gunner Unggoy to fire their Pek-pattern plasma cannons. Some towers' platforms, instead of the usual oval pillars, have three thinner, longer pillars that support a rooftop-like cover.^[6] Some are also connected an energy wall next to them, and will activate when the tower is occupied.^[7]

The base, when deployed on the ground, can not be moved again. The platform, however, is not as steady as the base; weapons fire could destroy the platform or knock it out of suspension.^[6]

A variant of the watchtower with a sheltered platform.
A variant of the watchtower with an exposed platform.
A variant of the watchtower with an exposed platform employed by Jul 'Mdama's Covenant.

Usage

A Kig-Yar Sniper posted on a watchtower during the Battle of Mombasa.

The watchtowers are used to fortify specific areas on a battlefield. They are deployed to form a perimeter before the establishment of a forward operations citadel or other advanced occupation site.^[4] The tower is able to garrison a Covenant file, though they are typically occupied by marksmen, such as Kig-Yar Snipers or Jiralhanae with carbines, or Heavy Unggoy manning plasma cannons.^[8]

In-game information

In Halo 2, the watchtowers appear in numerous campaign maps as well as in the multiplayer map, Relic. The platforms are indestructible, though they could be pushed off the base; the base would remain active and hold players in the air.

In Halo 3 and Halo 3: ODST, the watchtowers appear in some campaign levels, with some equipped with plasma cannons. The platforms are destructible, breaking into debris after taking heavy fire.

In Halo Wars, the watchtowers are known as Sniper Tower. They are deployed by the Covenant, but once every single Covenant troop on it is killed, UNSC soldiers can garrison in it, increasing their combat capabilities. A Covenant file is usually found on top of them defending the Kig-Yar and Unggoy Heavies there. In Skirmish, they are left neutral for either team's taking, providing a useful defense, if needed, plus they will not be destroyed no matter how many times a marine hits it. Certain maps, such as Tundra or Fort Deen, include lookout towers that are connected to energy walls. When garrisoned, the energy shield wall activates and prevents ground units from moving through. These walls can be bypassed by air units, Jiralhanae Jumpers, and occasionally Deutoros-pattern Scarabs.^[7]

In Halo: Reach, the watchtowers are largely similar to those in Halo 3 with minor aesthetic upgrades. However, unlike in Halo 3 and Halo 3: ODST, where its base deactivates when the platform is destroyed, the gravity lift remains active, like it did in Halo 2.

In Halo 4, the watchtowers are very similar to their Halo: Reach counterparts. However, the player must crouch to enter it due to narrower hole of entrance. The base of the tower will always be active and be able to lift vehicles. The base will also explode when heavily damaged, harming those nearby.

Production notes

Tags for deployable lookout towers (and Shades) exist in Halo 3's Snowbound. The towers can be manipulated in Forge, but have no names, costs, or maximum limits. The tops of the towers tend to spontaneously disappear, and do not respawn.
In Halo 3 and Halo 3: ODST, the player can detach a tower with plasma cannons from the base without destroying it (such as using a Gravity Hammer). If the platform is tilted more than 45 degrees, a message saying "Inoperable turret" will appear when the player is near the turret. However, any Unggoy manning the turret would remain on the turret.

Gallery

A destroyed deployable lookout tower in Halo 2.
A deployable lookout tower on the outskirts of New Mombasa in Halo 2.
Top-down view of a watchtower in Halo 3.
A Jiralhanae marksman of a watchtower in Halo 3.
Two Kig-Yar on a deployable lookout tower in Halo Wars.
A deployable watchout tower being destroyed.
Concept art for the Halo 5: Guardians iteration of the watchtower.
A Covenant watchtower in Halo Infinite.

List of appearances

Sources

^ Bungie.net, Relic Revealed: 6/28/2005: "There are two sniper rifles available on Relic – a Human Sniper spawns right near the wreckage by the offense starting point and a Beam Rifle spawns at the base of the Covenant watchtower." (Retrieved on Oct 13, 2014) [archive]
^ Halo 3: ODST, campaign level Coastal Highway: "Flank the watchtower, Trooper! Take it out!" - Edward Buck
^ Halo: Shadows of Reach, chapter 12: "A third round of explosions sounded out on the barrens as John reached the lookout tower at the south end of the shield barrier. Conscious that he had nothing with which to defend himself but a submachine gun and a pistol, he stepped into the tower base and allowed the gravity lift to carry him up to the watch platform."
^ ^a ^b ^c Halo Encyclopedia (2022 edition), page 223
^ Halo 3, gameplay
^ ^a ^b Halo 2, gameplay
^ ^a ^b Halo Wars, gameplay
^ Halo 3, gameplay

[1] Bungie.net, Relic Revealed: 6/28/2005: "There are two sniper rifles available on Relic – a Human Sniper spawns right near the wreckage by the offense starting point and a Beam Rifle spawns at the base of the Covenant watchtower." (Retrieved on Oct 13, 2014) [archive]

[2] Halo 3: ODST, campaign level Coastal Highway: "Flank the watchtower, Trooper! Take it out!" - Edward Buck

[sor-3] Halo: Shadows of Reach, chapter 12: "A third round of explosions sounded out on the barrens as John reached the lookout tower at the south end of the shield barrier. Conscious that he had nothing with which to defend himself but a submachine gun and a pistol, he stepped into the tower base and allowed the gravity lift to carry him up to the watch platform."

[enc22-4] Halo Encyclopedia (2022 edition), page 223

[h3-5] Halo 3, gameplay

[h2-6] Halo 2, gameplay

[hw-7] Halo Wars, gameplay

[8] Halo 3, gameplay

[1]

[2]

[3]

[4]

[5]

[6]

[7]

[8]

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
 {{Status|Canon}}
-[[File:Deployable lookout tower Reach.png|thumb|250px|A watchtower deployed during the [[Fall of Reach]].]]
+[[File:Deployable lookout tower Reach.png|thumb|250px|A Covenant watchtower employed during the [[Fall of Reach]].]]
-The [[Covenant]] [[Covenant military|military]] employ a type of '''watchtower''' on the battlefield.{{Ref/Book|Id=enc22|Enc22|Page=223}}
+The [[Covenant]] [[Covenant military|military]] and [[Covenant remnants|its remnants]] deployed a type of '''watchtower''',{{Ref/Site|URL=http://halo.bungie.net/News/content.aspx?cid=5587|Site=Bungie.net|Page=Relic Revealed: 6/28/2005|Quote=There are two sniper rifles available on Relic – a Human Sniper spawns right near the wreckage by the offense starting point and a Beam Rifle spawns at the base of the Covenant watchtower.|D=13|M=10|Y=2014}}{{Ref/Level|H3ODST|Coastal Highway|Quote=Flank the watchtower, Trooper! Take it out!|Quotee=Edward Buck}} or '''lookout tower''',{{Ref/Novel|Id=sor|SOR|Chapter=12|Quote=A third round of explosions sounded out on the barrens as John reached the lookout tower at the south end of the shield barrier. Conscious that he had nothing with which to defend himself but a submachine gun and a pistol, he stepped into the tower base and allowed the gravity lift to carry him up to the watch platform.}} on the battlefield.{{Ref/Book|Id=enc22|Enc22|Page=223}}
 == Overview ==
-=== Design details ==
+=== Design details ===
 A watchtower is comprised of protected circular platform and a gravity base. As a rather ordinary example of platform suspension within the Covenant, the gravity base features an anti-gravity generator in its center, from which the circular platform is suspended in the air at a stable and static position. The anti-gravity generator functions also as a [[gravity lift]], transporting supplies and troops freely and swiftly through a gap in the center of the platform.{{Ref/Reuse|enc22}}
-The perimeter of the base is comprised of three ramps and three pillars placed in a motif: one ramp to one pillar. The protected platforms demonstrate a variety of design. The platform typically has three protective pillars and large gaps between them. The pillars are taller and thinner compared to the ones of the base and the gap between them is bigger. The gap is used for snipers to have a clear line of sight and for [[Unggoy Heavy|Gunner Unggoy]] to place their {{Pattern|Pek|plasma cannon}}s. Some towers' platforms, instead of the usual oval pillars, have three thinner, longer pillars that support a rooftop-like cover.{{Ref/Game|H2|gameplay}} Some are also connected an [[energy wall]] next to them, and will activate when the tower is occupied.{{Ref/Game|Id=hw|HW|gameplay}}
+The perimeter of the base is comprised of three ramps and three pillars placed in a motif: one ramp to one pillar. The protected platforms demonstrate a variety of design. The platform typically has three protective pillars and large gaps between them. The pillars are taller and thinner compared to the ones of the base and with larger gaps.{{Ref/Game|Id=h3|H3|gameplay}} The gap is used for snipers to have a clear line of sight and for [[Unggoy Heavy|Gunner Unggoy]] to fire their {{Pattern|Pek|plasma cannon}}s. Some towers' platforms, instead of the usual oval pillars, have three thinner, longer pillars that support a rooftop-like cover.{{Ref/Game|Id=h2|H2|gameplay}} Some are also connected an [[energy wall]] next to them, and will activate when the tower is occupied.{{Ref/Game|Id=hw|HW|gameplay}}
-The base, when deployed on the ground, can not be moved again. The platform, however, is not as steady as the base; weapons fire, such as the [[M41 SPNKr]], the {{Pattern|Pez'tk|fuel rod gun}} from a distance and the [[M90 shotgun|M90]] or [[M45 shotgun]] from nearby, could knock off its balance and it may fall off.
+The base, when deployed on the ground, can not be moved again. The platform, however, is not as steady as the base; weapons fire could destroy the platform or knock it out of suspension.{{Ref/Reuse|h2}}
+<gallery class=center>
+File:H2-DeployableLookoutTower.png|A variant of the watchtower with a sheltered platform.
+File:H3-DeployableLookoutTower.png|A variant of the watchtower with an exposed platform.
+File:MCC-H4 DST.png|A variant of the watchtower with an exposed platform employed by [[Jul 'Mdama's Covenant]].
+</gallery>
-=== Usage ==
+=== Usage ===
-The watchtowers are mainly used to fortify specific areas on a battlefield, or allow scouts to form a perimeter before the establishment of a [[Covenant citadel|forward operations citadel]] or other advanced occupation site.{{Ref/Reuse|enc22}} The tower is able to garrison a whole Covenant [[file (unit)|file]], but usually single [[Kig-Yar Sniper]]s, [[Jiralhanae]] with [[Vostu-pattern carbine|carbines]], and Heavy Unggoy will also occupy it.{{Ref/Game|H3|gameplay}}
+[[File:H3ODST JackalInTower.png|thumb|250px|A Kig-Yar Sniper posted on a watchtower during the [[Battle of Mombasa]].]]
+The watchtowers are used to fortify specific areas on a battlefield. They are deployed to form a perimeter before the establishment of a [[Covenant citadel|forward operations citadel]] or other advanced occupation site.{{Ref/Reuse|enc22}} The tower is able to garrison a Covenant [[file (unit)|file]], though they are typically occupied by marksmen, such as [[Kig-Yar Sniper]]s or [[Jiralhanae]] with [[Vostu-pattern carbine|carbines]], or Heavy Unggoy manning plasma cannons.{{Ref/Game|H3|gameplay}}
 == In-game information==
-In ''[[Halo 2]]'', the platforms are indestructible. The player can climb on them by the anti-gravity lift, and can use it just like any Covenant. However, their position becomes highly exposed then. They appear in numerous [[campaign]] maps as well as in the [[multiplayer]] map, [[Relic]].
+In ''[[Halo 2]]'', the watchtowers appear in numerous [[campaign]] maps as well as in the [[multiplayer]] map, [[Relic]]. The platforms are indestructible, though they could be pushed off the base; the base would remain active and hold players in the air.
-In ''[[Halo 3]]'', they are destructible. They are also able to be climbed and appear in some campaign levels.
-In ''[[Halo Wars]]'', they are known as '''Sniper Tower'''. They are deployed by the Covenant, but once every single Covenant troop on it is killed, UNSC soldiers can garrison in it, increasing their combat capabilities. A Covenant file is usually found on top of them defending the Kig-Yar and Unggoy Heavies there. In [[Skirmish]], they are left neutral for either team's taking, providing a useful defense, if needed, plus they will not be destroyed no matter how many times a marine hits it. Certain maps, such as  ''[[Tundra]]'' or ''[[Fort Deen]]'', include lookout towers that are connected to energy walls. When garrisoned, the energy shield wall activates and prevents ground units from moving through. These walls can be bypassed by air units, [[Jiralhanae Jumper]]s, and occasionally {{Pattern|Deutoros|Scarab}}s.{{Ref/Reuse|hw}}
+In ''[[Halo 3]]'' and ''[[Halo 3: ODST]]'', the watchtowers appear in some campaign levels, with some equipped with plasma cannons. The platforms are destructible, breaking into debris after taking heavy fire.
-In ''[[Halo 3: ODST]]'', many are seen deployed in [[New Mombasa]]. They are once again destructible.
+In ''[[Halo Wars]]'', the watchtowers are known as '''Sniper Tower'''. They are deployed by the Covenant, but once every single Covenant troop on it is killed, UNSC soldiers can garrison in it, increasing their combat capabilities. A Covenant file is usually found on top of them defending the Kig-Yar and Unggoy Heavies there. In [[Skirmish]], they are left neutral for either team's taking, providing a useful defense, if needed, plus they will not be destroyed no matter how many times a marine hits it. Certain maps, such as  ''[[Tundra]]'' or ''[[Fort Deen]]'', include lookout towers that are connected to energy walls. When garrisoned, the energy shield wall activates and prevents ground units from moving through. These walls can be bypassed by air units, [[Jiralhanae Jumper]]s, and occasionally {{Pattern|Deutoros|Scarab}}s.{{Ref/Reuse|hw}}
-In ''[[Halo: Reach]]'', they are largely similar to those in ''Halo 3'' with minor aesthetic upgrades.
+In ''[[Halo: Reach]]'', the watchtowers are largely similar to those in ''Halo 3'' with minor aesthetic upgrades. However, unlike in ''Halo 3'' and ''Halo 3: ODST'', where its base deactivates when the platform is destroyed, the gravity lift remains active, like it did in ''Halo 2''.
-In ''[[Halo 4]]'', they are very similar to their ''Halo: Reach'' counterparts. However, the player must crouch to enter it due to narrower hole of entrance.
+In ''[[Halo 4]]'', the watchtowers are very similar to their ''Halo: Reach'' counterparts. However, the player must crouch to enter it due to narrower hole of entrance. The base of the tower will always be active and be able to lift vehicles. The base will also explode when heavily damaged, harming those nearby.
-== Trivia ==
+== Production notes ==
-*''[[Halo 2]]'' is the only game in the trilogy to use deployable lookout towers in multiplayer. The tower can not be destroyed but it can be shot off.
+*[[Tag]]s for deployable lookout towers (and Shades) exist in ''Halo 3''{{'}}s [[Snowbound]]. The towers can be manipulated in Forge, but have no names, costs, or maximum limits. The tops of the towers tend to spontaneously disappear, and do not respawn.
-*[[Tag]]s for deployable lookout towers (and Shades) exist in ''Halo 3''<nowiki/>'s [[Snowbound]]. The towers can be manipulated in Forge, but have no names, costs, or maximum limits. The tops of the towers tend to spontaneously disappear, and do not respawn.
+*In ''Halo 3'' and ''Halo 3: ODST'', the player can detach a tower with plasma cannons from the base without destroying it (such as using a Gravity Hammer). If the platform is tilted more than 45 degrees, a message saying "Inoperable turret" will appear when the player is near the turret. However, any Unggoy manning the turret would remain on the turret.
-*If the top part of the tower is flipped upside down while a Grunt is on the plasma turret, the Grunt will keep firing normally.
-*In ''Halo Wars'', they are referred to as a "Sniper Towers".
-*In ''[[Halo Wars]]'', when garrisoned with Marines, one will take cover at each of the fins and will blindly fire at enemies.
-*In ''Halo 3'' and ''Halo 3: ODST'', if you can detach a tower with plasma cannons from the base without destroying it (use a Gravity Hammer), and if the tower is tilted more than 45 degrees, a message saying "Inoperable turret" will appear when the player is near the turret, even if Grunts are still manning them.
-*The base of the deployable lookout tower resembles the symbol for the [[Deployable Cover]] and the [[portable gravity lift]] in [[Halo 3]].
-*In ''Halo 4'', the base of the tower will always be active and lift vehicles. The base will also explode when heavily damaged, harming those nearby and lifting the tower momentarily but still work.
-*On all ''Halo 2'' and ''Halo: Reach'' deployable lookout towers that have been knocked down, the base is still active and can be used to push you up directly into the air. From this position, you can continue to hover and snipe enemies. This glitch is absent from ''Halo 3''; once the tower is destroyed, the gravity lift of the base does not work. However, the tower itself (if still intact) will push you through the hole in the center, as if the gravity lift was under it. This is most likely a design shortcut; placing the lift on the tower ensures that once the tower is destroyed, the lift would also be disabled.
 ==Gallery==
 {{Linkbox|gallery=yes|gallerypage=Images of deployable lookout towers}}
 <gallery>
-File:H2-DeployableLookoutTower.png|A view of a deployable lookout tower in ''Halo 2''.
 File:H2 Destroyed tower.jpg|A destroyed deployable lookout tower in ''Halo 2''.
 File:H2_Outskirts_LookoutTower.jpg|A deployable lookout tower on the outskirts of New Mombasa in ''Halo 2''.
-File:H3-DeployableLookoutTower.png|A view of a deployable lookout tower in ''Halo 3''.
+File:H3_LookoutTower_Above.jpg|Top-down view of a watchtower in ''Halo 3''.
-File:H3_LookoutTower_Above.jpg|Top-down view of a deployable lookout tower in ''Halo 3''.
+File:H3 BruteSniper.png|A Jiralhanae marksman of a watchtower in ''Halo 3''.
 File:HW_LookoutTower.png|Two Kig-Yar on a deployable lookout tower in ''Halo Wars''.
-File:MCC-H4 DST.png|A deployable lookout tower on [[Impact]] in ''Halo 4''.
+File:MCC-H4 DSTboom.png|A deployable watchout tower being destroyed.
-File:MCC-H4 DSTboom.png|A deployable lookout tower is destroyed.
+File:H5G_CovenantDeployableTower_Concept.jpg|Concept art for the ''[[Halo 5: Guardians]]'' iteration of the watchtower.
-File:H5G_CovenantDeployableTower_Concept.jpg|Concept art for the ''[[Halo 5: Guardians]]'' iteration of the tower.
+File:HINF - ForgeCU29Covenant.jpg|A Covenant watchtower in ''[[Halo Infinite]]''.
-File:HINF - ForgeCU29Covenant.jpg|
 </gallery>
@@ Line 65: / Line 60: @@
 *''[[Halo 2: Anniversary]]''
 *''[[Halo: Lone Wolf]]''
-*''[[Halo: Shadows of Reach]]''{{Ref/Novel|Id=SOR5|HSoR|Chapter=5}}
+*''[[Halo: Shadows of Reach]]''
 ==Sources==