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Are you looking for the Halo 4 version? For other uses, see Camouflage (disambiguation).

A Spartan using active camouflage.

"One of those things is inside, and it is invisible!'"

Active camouflage (often shortened to active camo) refers to a broad range of optical camouflage technologies that conceal or cloak its user or an object from visual detection by rapidly adapting to its surroundings.^[2]^[3] Although active camouflage originated from the Covenant—also inherited and adapted by its remnants—similar technology was employed by the United Nations Space Command, with personal ppactive camouflage being directly reverse-engineered from its Covenant counterpart.^[2]

Covenant active camouflage conceals by bending and refracting light around its surface.

texture buffer and photoreactive panel

Personal active camouflage

Covenant usage

Human usage

Personal active camouflage

Covenant usage

Human usage

Both the UNSC^[4] and the Covenant use various forms of active camouflage technology, though the term is .

Technically, active camouflage is not quite invisibility, though it is very similar. Rather, the There are a variety of ways to do this, though the UNSC uses photoreactive panels on its Semi-Powered Infiltration armor and prowler stealth ships for optical camouflage, adapting to the object's background to account for movement. Meanwhile, Covenant active camouflage actually bends light around the camouflaged object,^[3] a task well within the Covenant's tier two technology level. The technology can be utilized on human armor systems, such as the MJOLNIR armor, but the UNSC has only developed rough equivalents.^[5]

Covenant active camouflage

"Show yourselves, assassins! The scent of your cloak is faint, but it still fouls the air."

— Atriox smelling active camouflage.^[6]

A camouflaged Stealth Sangheili aboard Cairo Station.

Covenant active camouflage technology uses a field of energy to bend light around the user, thus making them effectively invisible. The armor used by Spec-Ops and Stealth Sangheili, as well as that of Arbiters, Jiralhanae Stalkers and even certain Sangheili Zealots,^[7] include built-in active camouflage generators. These built-in generators have a severe drawback in that they divert power from shielding equipment. Troops equipped with permanent active camouflage generators tend to have weaker shielding than those not equipped with an active camouflage generator.

Arbiter Ripa 'Moramee was equipped with an active camouflage generator capable of generating a near-perfect cloaking field indefinitely. Arbiter Thel 'Vadam was also equipped with an active camouflage generator, but the device was capable only of providing a cloak for a few seconds, and although 'Vadam was equipped with personal shielding, his shields were relatively weak for an individual of such high rank, equivalent to those of a Sangheili Minor.

Aircraft or ships can also be equipped with active camouflage systems, including the Ru'swum-pattern Phantom that has its own active camouflage generators on board for various stealth missions,^[8] and the Klavbrig Workshop Shroud used by the Banished to cloak the advance of their armies.^[9] Larger vessels such as supercarriers, or entire armies, can be effectively hidden from both plain sight and sensors by using external stealth systems such as stealth pylons and Cloaking Generators.^[7]^[9]

For personnel not equipped with built-in active camouflage, it can be provided by a variety of devices. Typically, the energy used to provide the effect is suspended inside a small, transparent pyramidal container, or a larger spherical force-field. Personnel can use the light-bending energy by coming into physical contact with the container or force-field, which will cause it to break and release its contents. Upon release, the energy envelops the wearer and bends light around their skin; armor or energy shielding, conforming to their form and rendering them almost invisible. After a short period of time, the energy will gradually dissipate and wear off, slowly revealing its user. The active camouflage provided by these devices lasts for ten seconds, and only prevents visual detection; those using active camouflage can be observed by other means, including motion tracking, noise, and environmental disturbances such as footprints on soft terrain.

Function

"Trust me, because I heard… uhhh… from a friend, that if you have active camouflage on and do a crys, it makes a big sizzle sound and everybody can see me hidin' in the corner."

— Dimkee Hotay shares his bad experience with active camo.^[10]

Covenant active camouflage will easily cloak its user, but its effect does not completely extend to items in the user's possession; human weapons are easily cloaked by active camouflage, but Covenant weapons are visible even with active camo, as the light-bending energy cannot mask the glow of the weapons' plasma. In Halo: Combat Evolved, however, plasma glow is hidden quite well by the cloaking equipment.

Though active camouflage is quite effective from a distance, it can faintly be seen if an observer is close enough to the wearer. However, it is difficult to spot a camouflaged opponent from a distance using a scoped weapon—actual physical proximity is required to reliably spot a person using active camo. It should be noted, though, that active camouflage does not mask environmental effects such as footprints, meaning that it is not as effective on soft terrain such as snow.

The shielding provided by Covenant active camo can be disrupted if projectiles pass through it; such a disruption weakens the invisibility effect and temporarily reveals the wearer. The power-up can be disrupted if the wearer fires shots or if the wearer is hit. It also progressively worsens: the longer the wearer fires (or is hit), the more visible they become. Once the disruptions end, however, the wearer quickly regains their invisibility.

Talcum powder and other atmospheric particles can disrupt the systems, causing the technology to overload and fail.^[11] The device also generates a considerable amount of heat, causing its user to be clearly visible on human thermal goggles and some variations of the SRS99C-S2 AM sniper rifle.^[12] The humans of Alpha Base on Installation 04 used this advantage when their base was infiltrated by stealth Elites, equipping their fireteams with infrared goggles allowing them to easily see the attackers. In addition, SPARTAN-IIs William-043 and Kelly-087 employed talcum powder in order to overload the camouflage on Reach in order to find them.^[11] Atriox was able to detect the use of active camouflage through smell.^[6] However, it is possible he was just smelling the users themselves rather than the cloaking field, and was calling them out for its use.

During the Requiem Campaign, active camouflage was used to shield the seven HAVOK tactical nuclear weapons smuggled aboard the UNSC Infinity from detection by the ship's AI Roland. After Fireteam Crimson took out a Sangheili holding a cloaking remote, Roland realized this tactic. By tracking the energy signature from the cloaking generator, Roland was able to locate the warheads in the Engine Room and direct Crimson where to go to disarm them before they could be used to destroy the Infinity. Unlike conventional active camouflage, this type shielded the warheads from sensors but they could be physically seen by nearby persons without any issue.^[13] Later, in the Warrens, the Covenant hooked up active camouflage to their shield generators to prevent the human forces from finding and destroying them. Spartan Jared Miller was eventually able to identify the Sangheili who controlled the active camouflage and after Crimson took him out, the active camouflage dropped, revealing the generators.^[14]

After the death of Gek 'Lhar, his corpse was looted by Fireteam Majestic. Spartan Gabriel Thorne took Gek's active camouflage module^[15] which he subsequently used during the attempted rescue of Dr. Catherine Halsey.^[16]

UNSC active camouflage

ONI PRO-49776 disengaging its advanced cloaking field, an outlier in UNSC camouflaging technology during the Covenant War.

The UNSC has developed several varieties of active-camouflage technology. These do not utilize the same light-bending energy as Covenant active camouflage and are generally less effective. The most common form of human active camouflage technology operates on a different principle than the Covenant counterpart, using photoreactive panels to impersonate the surrounding environment like a chameleon. A device known as the camouflage cloak can hide the wearer's infrared signature, beside serving as a form of camouflage.^[4]

Roland-B210 with his camouflage activated.

The Semi-Powered Infiltration armor used by the Spartan-IIIs utilizes photo-reactive panels to conceal the wearer's infrared signature and to blend in with the surrounding environment. When combined with their natural talent and training for stealth, it can be a very effective tool. Some Headhunters used a prototype camouflage almost identical to the Covenant version, rendering them almost invisible, except that it only lasted 3–5 minutes and other systems have their power drained while it recharged. This feature saw very limited use in field tests by ODSTs.^[17]

A common human active camouflage device, copied from similar Covenant technology, comes in the form of a "plug" which attaches to a socket located on the lower back of compatible armor. The non-integral nature of the device allows it to be added or removed at will for improved operational flexibility. The device provides a conditionally effective cloak; as long as the user remains still or moves slowly, the camouflage will be highly efficient, providing near-total invisibility for minimal energy loss. However, if the user moves more quickly, the camouflage will only provide rudimentary coverage and drain its energy very rapidly. Firing a weapon will also disrupt the camouflage and reveal the user. Furthermore, external sounds will be highly muffled to the user while this camouflage is in use, and if the user is equipped with motion tracking equipment, the detection capability of the motion tracker will be severely compromised, jamming the display with "ghost" targets.^[18]

Much like the SPI armor, UNSC prowlers use texture buffers or "active camouflage skin" in conjunction with stealth ablative coatings to conceal themselves from view in addition to masking their heat and radar signatures.^[4] This camouflage is not perfect, however, and cannot keep up with a constantly changing background such as a gas giant's atmosphere.^[19] However, more advanced stealth ships were developed, such as ONI PRO-49776 using a form of cloak "bubble" similar to the light-bending energy fields used by the Covenant. This technology has not been observed in widespread use.^[20]

The MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor [GEN2] system is capable of incorporating Covenant T-3 Refraction Dissonance Modifier/Camouflage modules for stealth.^[21]

Changes throughout Halo

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If the active camo is active during Campaign, the player is completely invisible to the AI enemies unless they fire their weapon. Active camouflage is only usable in Campaign when playing as the Arbiter in Halo 2, or if the player obtains the Envy Skull and restarts Campaign (active camo replaces Master Chief's flashlight). In Halo 3, rather than Active Camouflage, the slightly different Cloaking is available. It is also available as a powerup in five levels during Halo: Combat Evolved: The Truth and Reconciliation, Silent Cartographer, 343 Guilty Spark, Keyes, and Assault on the Control Room.

An interesting fact about Active Camouflage is that although the player can see the Type-1 energy sword-wielding Active Camo Elites in Halo: Combat Evolved (due to the sword), the Marines cannot see them; this is likely because the developers did not realize that the energy sword showed through the Active Camo, leading them to code the Marines' AI to be oblivious to it. This advantage is removed in Halo 2—the Elites now wait, only activating their swords when they're about to kill the player.

Halo 2

In Halo 2, it is noted that the Arbiter's armor, while possessing a built-in active camouflage generator, is not permanent, unlike the more modern generators used by Special Operations Elites. There is a circle on the player's HUD that shows the amount of time left (unfortunately, not shown numerically) for both the usage of the active camouflage and the recharging sequence. The Master Chief can gain this ability with the Envy Skull on Legendary only; however, his screen will lack the meter, forcing you to remember the time allowed for use.

When playing as the Arbiter, using any attack will cause the active camouflage to deactivate, and the player must wait for it to recharge before using it again.^[22]

Halo 3

Main article: Cloaking

In Halo 3, the Active Camo is no longer contained inside a pyramid construct. Instead it appears as a large, glowing sphere with what appears to be containment devices around it, enclosing the powerup in Halo 3 multiplayer; but unlike past Halo games, active camo is not found in campaign. In campaign, Active Camouflage is replaced by the Cloaking equipment, which functions in the same way as active camouflage once did. Melee attacks, shooting, throwing grenades and using equipment will negate the effect of the power-up. Also, wearing the Flaming Helmet is an obvious give-away to the opponent because the fire is still visible. By default, the pick-up lasts 30 seconds and doesn't dissipate with movement, unlike in Reach.

The quality of camouflage in custom games may be set to two different settings:^[23]

Poor Camo: The player has camouflage that might fool a Grunt.
- The player is still somewhat visible.
Good Camo: The player has camouflage that will fool an attentive Elite.
- This makes the player almost invisible, but the light is distorted within the player's shape.

Halo: Reach

The Active Camo in Halo: Reach has undergone many major changes. It is now available as an Armor Ability to both Spartan and Elite players. As a secondary effect, when used, it acts as a Radar Jammer, scrambling the radar of the user and all enemies within 25 meters, making the user harder for enemies to detect on their motion trackers. This function can be both beneficial and detrimental to the player; on the one hand, it can make enemies easier to ambush, however, it also informs the enemy team that someone is using Camo nearby. This can backfire on the player by making the enemy team more perceptive to possible ambushes. The Active Camo also greatly reduces the volume of all sounds for its user, making it more difficult to notice a grenade being thrown or a nearby enemy firing a weapon.

The strength or effectiveness of the Camo also varies depending on whether/how fast the user is moving. When standing still, the player is rendered almost completely invisible. Moving slowly or crouch-walking will slightly decrease the quality of cloaking, although the user is still hard to spot. When moving faster than crouch-walking speed, the Active Camo becomes much less effective, cloaking the user only partially (similar to the Poor Camo from Halo 3). The player's movement speed does not affect the rate at which the Armor Ability meter drains. The freedom for the player to control when they activate their camouflage makes it much more effective, as it allows for use in the most opportune situations, instead of restricting the player to activate it on pickup. However, the reduced hearing and radar jamming effects require the player to be more aware of his surroundings than usual,^[24] and must also take care not to move too fast.

Enemies in campaign and Firefight will detect the user after a while. As such, it is far less effective than previous iterations.

Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary

Active camouflage now makes the user extremely hard to spot due to the enhanced graphics. Distortion also covers more the exact shape of the user, unlike previous iterations.

Halo 4

The Type-3 Refraction Dissonance Modifier/Camouflage bends light around a structure, hiding it via advanced pattern realignment. It is similar to the version in Halo: Reach, however the jammer no longer makes false hostile contacts appear on the motion sensor, rather it makes neutral contacts appear and in a much tighter grouping than before, therefore not only preventing the user from using it to trick enemies, but possibly giving away their location. Despite this, it still is an effective tool for hiding outside of cover and ambushing enemies.

Halo 5: Guardians

Active camouflage is now a powerup that can be picked up in Arena or requisitioned in Warzone. While active the user is invisible to the motion sensors of enemies as long as they are not sprinting. Moving while crouched no longer deteriorates the quality of camouflage, though moving faster would. It now displays a meter on the HUD that shows the remaining duration of the power up, and shortly before it runs out, the player will be notified via a quiet beeping sound.

Halo Wars 2

Shrouds are able to cloak themselves and other units. Let 'Volir is able to cloak units with leader abilities.

Halo Infinite

Active Camouflage is activated via an animation similarly to Halo 5: Guardians, although it can now be used at will. If the player is killed before they can use it, or while in the process of activating it, they will drop the powerup which can now be picked up by another player. Active camouflage in Halo Infinite behaves like a hybrid of the active camouflage seen in the original trilogy, and the active camo seen in all the games since Halo: Reach. If the player is simply moving and strafing, the camouflage remains consistent, but if they sprint or fire their weapon, the camo fades out. ^[25]

Non-canon and dubious canon appearances

Silver Timeline

Main article: Silver Timeline

Active camouflage is used by Covenant Sangheili.^[26]

Trivia

Changing the graphics card settings on Halo: Combat Evolved for PC (lowering the quality and effects) makes active camouflage users appear as an easily-seen gray, opaque silhouette.
In Halo: Combat Evolved, the flood can still see you if you use active camo.
Oddly enough, a group of Major and Minor Grunts in the Halo 2 level Delta Halo used Active Camouflage as they fought alongside a group of Stealth Elites. Spec Ops Grunts are also seen using this in the level The Arbiter just before entering the gas mine. This suggests that at least some Grunts have this equipment.
When used in association with an Overshield, the Active Camo becomes completely useless due to the charges of the overshield washing over the player's body (except in Halo: Combat Evolved). In Halo 3, the same effect occurs when Active Camouflage and Overshields are both working.
The active camouflage has no effect on the flames on the Bungie Armor, allowing enemies to more easily locate the user of the chest piece.
With the Envy skull on in Halo 2, the Master Chief's flashlight will be replaced with active camouflage. This can also be combined with a glitch which allows you to reload from a checkpoint, after saving and quitting, and turning off your console, with infinite active camouflage. This makes the Campaign on Halo 2 considerably easier, even on Legendary difficulty.
In any Halo game, when you have active camouflage on and you get in a vehicle, the camouflage stays on and appears as if there was a ghost driving it or that it was driving itself (works particularly well with the Warthog LAAG). It works with any vehicle which exposes the occupants to view.
In Halo 2 for Windows Vista, when playing on Threshold, your comrades are not picked up by radar when camouflaged.
The lights on a gravity hammer can be seen clearly when camouflaged. It is not recommended to have a Gravity Hammer either as your primary weapon or secondary weapon when using active camo, as the lights make you an easy target for experienced snipers.
In Halo 3, go in Monitor mode and find an Active Camouflage. Go inside it. After about 10–20 seconds, the Active Camo will stop making its shimmering noise and you'll hear a brief whispering sound (like a sigh or breath), and then it will continue its shimmering noise.
Strangely, the active camo module in the Halo: Reach Beta had "UNSC" printed on it, even when being used by Elites, though this is likely because it was a placeholder file.
The Overshield as well as Active camouflage were requested by Hardy LeBel as a feature for Halo: CE's multiplayer. The team working on the campaign saw that they were and added them too.

Gallery

A Stealth Elite using active camouflage in Halo: Combat Evolved.
Active Camo in Halo: Combat Evolved campaign.
Active Camo in Halo: Combat Evolved multiplayer.
Active camouflage on Halo: Combat Evolved for PC.
The Active Camouflage in Halo 2.
The Active Camouflage in Halo 3.
Bungie Armor and Active Camouflage in Halo 3.
The Active Camouflage powerup in Halo: Reach.
Multiple SpecOps Sangheili using active camouflage, with one also possessing Overshield.
Active Camouflage in use in Halo 4.
Active camouflage in Halo 2: Anniversary multiplayer.
A Spartan using active camouflage in Halo 2: Anniversary multiplayer.
REQ card for Active Camouflage in Halo 5: Guardians.
REQ Card for Active Camouflage II.
REQ Card for Active Camouflage III.
A Spartan-IV using active camouflage in Halo 5: Guardians.
HUD icon for the active camouflage in Halo Infinite.
Okro 'Vagaduun using active camo in Halo Infinite.
A Spartan-IV carrying an active camo module in Halo Infinite.
A Spartan-IV activating an active camo module in Halo Infinite.
A Spartan-IV with active camo in Halo Infinite.
A Sangheili with an active camo module in Halo: The Television Series.
The same Sangheili activating the active camo.

List of appearances

Halo: The Fall of Reach (First appearance)
Halo: Combat Evolved
Halo: The Flood
Halo: First Strike
Halo 2
Halo: Ghosts of Onyx
Halo 3
Halo Wars
Halo 3: ODST
Halo Legends
- The Package
Halo Evolutions - Essential Tales of the Halo Universe
- Headhunters
- The Impossible Life and the Possible Death of Preston J. Cole
Halo: Reach
Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary
Halo 4: Forward Unto Dawn
Halo 4
- Spartan Ops
Halo: Spartan Assault
Halo 2: Anniversary
- Terminals
Halo: New Blood (Mentioned only)
Halo: Last Light
Halo 5: Guardians
Halo: Fractures
- Oasis
Halo: Smoke and Shadow
Halo: Tales from Slipspace
- Hunting Party
Halo Wars 2
Halo: Envoy
Halo: Collateral Damage
Halo: Official Spartan Field Manual (Mentioned only)
Halo: Shadows of Reach
Halo: Divine Wind
Halo Infinite
Halo: The Television Series
- Contact
Halo: The Rubicon Protocol
Halo: Outcasts

Sources

^ Halo 4: Forward Unto Dawn, episode 4
^ ^a ^b Halo Encyclopedia (2011 edition), page 355
^ ^a ^b Halo 4: The Essential Visual Guide, page 136 Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; name "h4evg" defined multiple times with different content
^ ^a ^b ^c Halo: Ghosts of Onyx, page 291
^ Halo: The Fall of Reach
^ ^a ^b Hunting Party
^ ^a ^b Halo: Reach, campaign level Tip of the Spear
^ Halo 3, campaign level The Covenant
^ ^a ^b Halo Wars 2
^ Halo 5: Guardians, campaign level Alliance
^ ^a ^b Halo: First Strike
^ Halo: The Flood
^ Spartan Ops, S107 Invasion, Engine of Destruction
^ Spartan Ops, S108 Lancer
^ Spartan Ops, S108 Expendable
^ Spartan Ops, S109 Key
^ Halo: Evolutions - Essential Tales of the Halo Universe, Headhunters
^ Halo: Reach
^ Halo: Evolutions - Essential Tales of the Halo Universe, "The Impossible Life and the Possible Death of Preston J. Cole", page 477
^ Halo Legends, The Package
^ Halo Waypoint: Halo 4 Interactive Guide
^ Halo 2
^ Game Trailers: Custom Games Glitch Gameplay
^ Bungie.net: Halo: Reach Beta Survival Guide
^ YouTube - HALO, Halo Infinite | Multiplayer Overview (Retrieved on Jul 4, 2021)
^ Halo: The Television Series Season One, Contact

[1] Halo 4: Forward Unto Dawn, episode 4

[enc11-2] Halo Encyclopedia (2011 edition), page 355

[h4evg-3] Halo 4: The Essential Visual Guide, page 136 Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; name "h4evg" defined multiple times with different content

[goo-4] Halo: Ghosts of Onyx, page 291

[5] Halo: The Fall of Reach

[HP-6] Hunting Party

[ReferenceA-7] Halo: Reach, campaign level Tip of the Spear

[8] Halo 3, campaign level The Covenant

[HW2-9] Halo Wars 2

[Alliance-10] Halo 5: Guardians, campaign level Alliance

[firststrike-11] Halo: First Strike

[12] Halo: The Flood

[13] Spartan Ops, S107 Invasion, Engine of Destruction

[14] Spartan Ops, S108 Lancer

[15] Spartan Ops, S108 Expendable

[16] Spartan Ops, S109 Key

[17] Halo: Evolutions - Essential Tales of the Halo Universe, Headhunters

[18] Halo: Reach

[19] Halo: Evolutions - Essential Tales of the Halo Universe, "The Impossible Life and the Possible Death of Preston J. Cole", page 477

[20] Halo Legends, The Package

[Waypoint-21] Halo Waypoint: Halo 4 Interactive Guide

[22] Halo 2

[23] Game Trailers: Custom Games Glitch Gameplay

[24] Bungie.net: Halo: Reach Beta Survival Guide

[mpoverview-25] YouTube - HALO, Halo Infinite | Multiplayer Overview (Retrieved on Jul 4, 2021)

[26] Halo: The Television Series Season One, Contact

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@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
 {{Status|Canon}}
-[[File:HR ZealotSword.png|thumb|350px|A [[Sangheili Zealot]] wielding an energy sword.]]
+{{Center|''Are you looking for the Halo 4 [[Type-3 active camouflage|version]]? For other uses, see [[Camouflage (disambiguation)]].''}}
-{{Quote|A noble and ancient weapon, wielded by the strongest of [[Sangheili]], requires great skill and bravery to use, and inspires fear in those who face its elegant plasma blade.|[[Supreme Commander]] [[Thel 'Vadam]]ee{{Ref/Game|H2|[[Halo 2 Limited Collector's Edition Manual]]}}}}
-'''Energy swords''', sometimes known as '''plasma swords''',{{Ref/Book|[[Halo: Combat Evolved: Prima's Official Strategy Guide]]|Page=15}}{{Ref/Book|[[Halo 2: The Official Strategy Guide]]|Page=30}} are a class of single-handed, double-bladed energy weapons developed by the [[Sangheili]].{{Ref/Site|Id=waypoint11|URL=http://halo.xbox.com/en-us/intel/theuniverse/tech/gallery/energy-sword/87ebf6e2-3874-4e5c-8133-b72c20a46d7f|Site=Halo Waypoint|Page=energy sword|D=21|M=9|Y=2011|LocalArchive=Archive:Halo_Waypoint/2009 to 2014/Universe/Weapons#energy sword}} To their users, the [[Sangheili]], they are formally designated as '''fireblades''',{{Ref/Book|Id=enc22p307|Enc22|Page=307}}{{Ref/Book|Id=enc22p484|Enc22|Page=482}} and nicknamed '''plasma blades'''.{{Ref/Reuse|alliance}} The [[Office of Naval Intelligence]] has typically [[Type classification system|type-classified]] encountered energy sword variants under the designation of the '''Type-1 Energy Weapon/Sword''' ('''T-1 EW/S''').{{Ref/Site|Id=bnet|URL=http://halo.bungie.net/projects/reach/article.aspx?ucc=ordnance&cid=25438|Site=Bungie.net|Page=Halo: Reach Ordnance Page|D=7|M=2|Y=2021}} Nicknames for the energy sword includes '''Katana''' and '''Kill Beam'''.{{Ref/Book|Id=enc11|Enc11|Page=348}}
+[[File:HCE Camo Sniper.jpg|thumb|250px|A [[Spartan-II|Spartan]] using active camouflage.]]
+{{Quote|One of those [[Sangheili|things]] is inside, and it is ''invisible!''|Cadet [[Thomas Lasky]]{{Ref/Film|H4FUD|Episode=4}}}}
+'''Active camouflage''' (often shortened to '''active camo''') refers to a broad range of optical [[camouflage]] technologies that conceal or cloak its user or an object from visual detection by rapidly adapting to its surroundings.{{Ref/Book|Id=enc11|Enc11|Page=355}}{{Ref/Book|Id=h4evg|H4EVG|Page=136}} Although active camouflage originated from the [[Covenant]]—also inherited and adapted by [[Covenant remnants|its remnants]]—similar technology was employed by the [[United Nations Space Command]], with personal ppactive camouflage being directly reverse-engineered from its Covenant counterpart.{{Ref/Reuse|enc11}}
-==Overview==
+Covenant active camouflage conceals by bending and refracting light around its surface.
-[[File:H3-EnergySwordHilt.png|thumb|150px|The hilt of a deactivated energy sword.]]
-===Design details===
-An energy sword's twin blades are superheated plasma contained in a tightly configured magnetic field generated from its grooved hilt.{{Ref/Reuse|waypoint11}}{{Ref/Book|Id=enc22p482|Enc22|Page=482}} Within the hilt, there is an energy storage device that doubles as a field generator,{{Ref/Reuse|bnet}}{{Ref/Book|Id=osfm|OSFM|Page=183}} which, when activated, projects the blade, with the stabilized superheated plasma being enclosed in magnetic lines extending from the hilt.{{Ref/Reuse|enc22p307}}{{Ref/Site|Id=h4guide|URL=https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/halo4guide|Site=Halo Waypoint|Page=Halo 4 Interactive Guide - Covenant Weapons|D=27|M=03|Y=2014|LocalArchive=Halo 4 Interactive Guide#Covenant Weapons}}{{Ref/Book|Id=h4evg|H4EVG|Page=92}}
-The weapon is powered by a small battery that supplies power to both the plasma generator and the magnetic field generator.{{Ref/Book|Enc09|Page=335}} The battery's energy is reduced for each successful strike. Each strike from the sword will drain the battery by 10% of its maximum energy output. Once the battery power is fully depleted, the sword will deactivate unless recharged. The horizontal hilt forces the wielder to use a punching motion to stab rather than the thrusting motion of most knives and swords.
+[[texture buffer]] and [[photoreactive panel]]
-Some variants, notably the {{Pattern|Pelosus|energy sword}}, contain a fail-safe mechanism that can permanently disable the weapon if the Sangheili wielder drops it.{{Ref/Novel|FS|Page=74}} When dropped, the failsafe engages by deactivating the magnetic field before dispersing the plasma. The plasma then consumes the handle and thus destroys the weapon. The fail-safe is included to prevent enemy from acquiring the weapon and using it.{{Ref/Game|Id=hce|HCE|Gameplay}}
+==Personal active camouflage==
+===Covenant usage===
+===Human usage===
-Mass-produced models generally feature a simple hilt design, but more individualized models can be quite ornate. Different patterns are typically expressed through the shape of the blade; different contours can have either smooth curves or elegant angles. Furthermore, the color of the superheated plasma can vary with no functional difference as well, though most energy swords glow with a blue tint.{{Ref/Reuse|osfm}}{{Ref/Site|Id=waypoint15|URL=https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/universe/weapons/type-1-energy-sword|Site=Halo Waypoint|Page=Universe - Weapons - energy sword|D=23|M=10|Y=2021}} Sangheili blademasters are often commissioned to create ornamented and hand-customized for elite individuals.{{Ref/Reuse|enc22p307}} As such, drastic variations have been observed. For example, [[Arbiter]] [[Ripa 'Moramee]]'s matching pair of custom-designed swords had basket-style hilt guards and radiated a high degree of ionized plasma,{{Ref/Book|Id=evgp10|EVG|Page=10}}{{Ref/Game|Id=hw|HW|Cinematics}} whereas most energy swords contain the blades' plasma with greater efficiency. Arbiter [[Thel 'Vadam]]'s personal sword, the [[Prophets' Bane]], was pale salmon-colored and had a wider blade compared to mass-produced swords.{{Ref/Site|URL=https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/news/canon-fodder-clarity-grace|Site=Halo Waypoint|Page=Canon Fodder - Clarity and Grace|D=17|M=10|Y=2021}}{{Ref/Game|Id=H5G|H5|Gameplay}} Ancient energy swords are marked by its creator and first owner, but often their legacy is forgotten.{{Ref/Site|Id=lockeandload|URL=https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/community/blog-posts/canon-fodder-locke-load|Site=Halo Waypoint|Page=Cannon Fodder: Locke & Load|D=13|M=4|Y=2016}}
+==Personal active camouflage==
+===Covenant usage===
+===Human usage===
+----
-===History===
+Both the [[United Nations Space Command|UNSC]]<ref name="goo">'''[[Halo: Ghosts of Onyx]]''', ''page 291''</ref> and the [[Covenant]] use various forms of active camouflage technology, though the term is .
-[[File:Final Duel.jpg|300px|thumb|A duel between [[Fal 'Chavamee]], who is wielding a ''Pelosus''-pattern energy sword, and [[Haka 'Suukaree]], who is wielding a traditional Sangheili blade weapon.]]
-The energy sword's design is seen as the logical evolution of an ancient lineage of traditional Sangheili weapons, most notably the twin-scythe and the [[curveblade]];{{Ref/Reuse|enc22p307}}{{Ref/Reuse|waypoint15}} superficially, the ancient melee weapons' influence on the energy sword's design is unmistakable.{{Ref/Film|HLeg|Story=The Duel}} The sword was originally crafted from hardened resin found in trees which lined the coastal territories of Sanghelios, but as they began carefully exploring [[Forerunner]] technology, the weapon was refined over time using [[Covenant]] technology, eventually taking its current state.{{Ref/Reuse|waypoint11}} Technologically, the energy sword succeeded an older type of Sangheili sword known as the [[burnblade]], which was created by the arm masters of [[Qikost]]—one of [[Sanghelios]]' moons—in the early period of Sangheili interstellar expansion,{{Ref/Reuse|enc22p307}} and was used in the early years of the [[Covenant]].{{Ref/Novel|BC|Page=115}} Modern energy swords are manufactured by the [[Merchants of Qikost]], a prominent group of arms makers on Qikost.{{Ref/Reuse|enc22p482}}{{Ref/Reuse|h4evg}}{{Ref/Reuse|evg}} Prior to the [[Fall of High Charity|fall]] of ''[[High Charity]]'', they were also manufactured in the city's [[Assembly Forges]].{{Ref/Reuse|enc22p307}}{{Ref/Reuse|osfm}} Following the [[Great Schism]] and the dissolution of the Covenant, the designs templates and existing models of energy swords from the Covenant were inherited by [[Covenant remnants|its splinter factions]].{{Ref/Reuse|enc22p482}}
-Closely aligned with the Sangheili's rigid sense of honor,{{Ref/Reuse|evg}} the energy sword is the signature weapon of the Sangheili, and its usage has historically been regarded as both an expression of a Sangheili warrior's clerical honor and his personal combat skills.{{Ref/Reuse|h4guide}}{{Ref/Reuse|waypoint15}} The Sangheili pride themselves on their skills with the weapon,{{Ref/Comic|HGN|The Last Voyage of the Infinite Succor}} which they regard as holy, and believe that it is better for a Sangheili to fall on his sword to redeem his honor than to die dishonorably.{{Ref/Book|Id=enc09|Enc09|Page=127}}{{Ref/Book|Enc11|Page=132}}{{Ref/Novel|TCP|Page=53}}{{Ref/Novel|TCP|Page=141}} [[Pzish'zawk]] is the [[Martial arts|martial art form]] which consists of the use of [[Dual wielding|dual wielded]] energy swords. Mastery of the practice earns one a high level of renown in Sangheili society, and is a skillset sometimes associated with those assigned the title of [[blademaster]].{{Ref/Site|URL=https://www.halowaypoint.com/news/canon-fodder-high-value-histories|Site=Halo Waypoint|Page=Canon Fodder - High Value Histories|D=08|M=09|Y=2022}}
+Technically, active camouflage is not quite invisibility, though it is very similar. Rather, the There are a variety of ways to do this, though the UNSC uses [[photoreactive panel]]s on its [[Semi-Powered Infiltration armor]] and [[prowler]] stealth ships for optical camouflage, adapting to the object's background to account for movement. Meanwhile, Covenant active camouflage actually ''bends light'' around the camouflaged object,<ref name="h4evg">'''[[Halo 4: The Essential Visual Guide]]''', ''page 136''</ref> a task well within the Covenant's [[Technological Achievement Tiers|tier two technology level]]. The technology can be utilized on human armor systems, such as the [[MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor|MJOLNIR armor]], but the UNSC has only developed rough equivalents.<ref>'''[[Halo: The Fall of Reach]]'''</ref>
-===Operation====
+==Covenant active camouflage==
-[[File:FUD - ChenDeath.jpg|thumb|250px|A Hesduros Zealot killing [[Junjie Chen]] with an energy sword during the [[Battle of Circinius IV]].]]
+{{Quote|Show yourselves, assassins! The scent of your cloak is faint, but it still fouls the air.|[[Atriox]] smelling active camouflage.<ref name="HP">'''[[Hunting Party]]'''</ref>}}
-Since the weapon utilizes shaped plasma rather than traditional solid matter, the energy sword lacks any solid material in which to hold or impale anything; the sword does not cut or carve in the traditional sense, but rather boils anything it comes into contact with.{{Ref/Reuse|enc11}} The blade's edge is therefore extremely volatile, being able to slice through even the toughest metals like a hot knife through butter, including [[ODST armor]] and the Titanium-A class plating of [[UNSC destroyer]]s.{{Ref/Novel|TCP|Page=84}}{{Ref/Novel|FS|Page=72}} Injuries caused by the weapon are often gruesome. Stab wounds by the energy sword are, in most cases, fatal—as the blade passes through the body, the organs and tissues are cauterized by the extreme temperatures produced by the blades.{{Ref/Anthology|HE|Midnight in the Heart of Midlothian|Page=91}} Body fluids in the area of the stab wound are flash-vaporized upon contact; organs within the area of the stab wounds can suffer life-threatening damage dependent upon which organs are struck. The effects of fluids trapped in organs or arteries and the expansion of heat could lead to ruptures or small explosions, causing additional damage to the victim.
+[[File:HCE Stealth Elite in AC.png|thumb|200px|A camouflaged [[Stealth Sangheili]] aboard ''[[Cairo Station (station)|Cairo Station]]''.]]
+Covenant active camouflage technology uses a field of energy to bend light around the user, thus making them effectively invisible. The armor used by [[Special Operations Sangheili|Spec-Ops]] and [[Stealth Sangheili]], as well as that of [[Arbiter]]s, [[Jiralhanae Stalker]]s and even certain [[Sangheili Zealot]]s,<ref name="ReferenceA">'''Halo: Reach''', campaign level ''[[Tip of the Spear]]''</ref> include built-in active camouflage generators. These built-in generators have a severe drawback in that they divert power from shielding equipment. Troops equipped with permanent active camouflage generators tend to have weaker shielding than those not equipped with an active camouflage generator.
-Survival is minimal at best and in the case of non-lethal strikes being administered, proper medical treatment must be applied as soon as possible to ensure permanent survival. Because of the weapon's sheer destructive damage, common forms of fatality to victims include total impalement,{{Ref/Reuse|hw}}{{Ref/Film|H4FuD}}{{Ref/Novel|TCP|Page=77}} loss of limbs,{{Ref/Novel|TCP|Page=76}} bodies being bisected,{{Ref/Novel|FS|Page=58}}{{Ref/Novel|TFoR|Page=99}} and even decapitation.{{Ref/Novel|TCP|Page=79}}
+Arbiter [[Ripa 'Moramee]] was equipped with an active camouflage generator capable of generating a near-perfect cloaking field indefinitely. Arbiter [[Thel 'Vadam]] was also equipped with an active camouflage generator, but the device was capable only of providing a cloak for a few seconds, and although 'Vadam was equipped with personal shielding, his shields were relatively weak for an individual of such high rank, equivalent to those of a [[Sangheili Minor]].
-The weapon's most glaring downside is that it is purely a close-quarters weapon; any combat engagement outside of the effective range puts the wielder at risk. It is for this reason that the Sangheili approach sword combat on the battlefield in two different ways, by funneling the enemy into close-quarters to allow them to strike, and/ or to apply a form of stealth using both technology and technique. Without these, the user is vulnerable to attack by all forms of ranged attack, especially from sniper-based counterattacks.{{Ref/Reuse|enc11}} Furthermore, the energy sword can sometimes expose the position of a Sangheili warrior employing active camouflage due to the weapon's energy output.
+Aircraft or ships can also be equipped with active camouflage systems, including the {{Pattern|Ru'swum|Phantom}} that has its own active camouflage generators on board for various stealth missions,<ref>'''Halo 3''', campaign level ''[[The Covenant (level)|The Covenant]]''</ref> and the [[Klavbrig Workshop Shroud]] used by the [[Banished]] to cloak the advance of their armies.<ref name="HW2">'''[[Halo Wars 2]]'''</ref> Larger vessels such as [[Covenant supercarrier|supercarriers]], or entire armies, can be effectively hidden from both plain sight and sensors by using external stealth systems such as [[stealth pylon]]s and [[Cloaking Generator]]s.{{Ref/Reuse|ReferenceA}}{{Ref/Reuse|HW2}}
-===Usage===
+For personnel not equipped with built-in active camouflage, it can be provided by a variety of devices. Typically, the energy used to provide the effect is suspended inside a small, transparent pyramidal container, or a larger spherical force-field. Personnel can use the light-bending energy by coming into physical contact with the container or force-field, which will cause it to break and release its contents. Upon release, the energy envelops the wearer and bends light around their skin; armor or [[energy shielding]], conforming to their form and rendering them almost invisible. After a short period of time, the energy will gradually dissipate and wear off, slowly revealing its user. The active camouflage provided by these devices lasts for ten seconds, and only prevents visual detection; those using active camouflage can be observed by other means, including motion tracking, noise, and environmental disturbances such as footprints on soft terrain.
-[[File:1221845548 Elites duel wielding energy swords.jpg|thumb|200px|right|[[Rtas 'Vadum]] and [[Kusovai]] dual-wielding energy swords while sparring.]]
-The Sangheili are very strict on who can be trained in the [[Martial arts|art of swordsmanship]]; in civilian life, only [[aristocrat]]s are permitted to wield energy swords.<!-- Note that The Essential Visual Guide confirms that non-aristocratic use of the energy sword is forbidden only within civilian society. This policy is not upheld within the military.-->{{Ref/Book|Id=evg|EVG|Page=63}} Sword wielders are not eligible for marriage, though they may breed with any female they choose, married or otherwise, to ensure that the genetic material which result in sword-wielding traits are properly transmitted to each subsequent generation.{{Ref/Reuse|waypoint11}}{{Ref/Game|H3|[[Bestiarum]] - Sangheili}}
-Within the [[Covenant military]], use of the energy sword is not restricted to aristocrats.{{Ref/Reuse|evg}} [[Sangheili Minor]]s are generally not permitted to wield the sword because of the high regard in which it is held,{{Ref/Reuse|enc09}} though exceptions have been witnessed.{{Ref/Level|HW|Alpha Base (Halo Wars level)}}{{Ref/Film|HLeg|Story=The Package (animated short)}} [[Sangheili Storm|Storm troops]],{{Ref/Level|H4|Prologue}} [[Sangheili Ultra|Ultras]], [[Sangheili Zealot|Zealots]], [[Sangheili General|Generals]], [[Special Operations Sangheili|special operation officers]], [[Stealth Sangheili|stealth troops]], and [[Sangheili Honor Guardsman|honor guardsmen]] commonly use energy swords.{{Ref/Reuse|evg}}{{Ref/Game|Id=h2|H2|Gameplay}} Some Sangheili special forces units, notably the [[Silent Shadow]], employed bloodblades, blood red-colored energy swords which burn hotter than more common models.{{Ref/Reuse|osfm}}{{Ref/Reuse|waypoint15}}{{Ref/Anthology|Id=hh|HE|Headhunters (short story)}}
+===Function===
+{{Quote|Trust me, because I heard… uhhh… from a friend, that if you have active camouflage on and do a crys, it makes a big sizzle sound and everybody can see me hidin' in the corner.|[[Dimkee Hotay]] shares his bad experience with active camo.<ref name="Alliance">'''[[Halo 5: Guardians]]''', campaign level ''[[Alliance]]''</ref>}}
+Covenant active camouflage will easily cloak its user, but its effect does not completely extend to items in the user's possession; [[human]] [[weapons]] are easily cloaked by active camouflage, but Covenant weapons are visible even with active camo, as the light-bending energy cannot mask the glow of the weapons' plasma. In ''Halo: Combat Evolved'', however, plasma glow is hidden quite well by the cloaking equipment.
-Within the [[Banished]], there is no enforced uniformity for the energy sword, allowing each warrior to customize their weapons to their own needs.{{Ref/Reuse|enc22p482}} That being said, the most common variants appear to be the ''Domotos''-pattern and the ''Meluth'qelos''-pattern.{{Ref/Game|Id=hw2|HW2|Gameplay}}{{Ref/Reuse|hi}}
+Though active camouflage is quite effective from a distance, it can faintly be seen if an observer is close enough to the wearer. However, it is difficult to spot a camouflaged opponent from a distance using a scoped weapon—actual physical proximity is required to reliably spot a person using active camo. It should be noted, though, that active camouflage does not mask environmental effects such as footprints, meaning that it is not as effective on soft terrain such as snow.
-== Variants ==
+The shielding provided by Covenant active camo can be disrupted if projectiles pass through it; such a disruption weakens the invisibility effect and temporarily reveals the wearer. The [[power-up]] can be disrupted if the wearer fires shots or if the wearer is hit. It also progressively worsens: the longer the wearer fires (or is hit), the more visible they become. Once the disruptions end, however, the wearer quickly regains their invisibility.
-;Patterns
-*'''{{Pattern|Domotos|energy sword}}''' - A variant with angular contours and a rectangular hole along the inner edge of either blades, with widespread use in the [[Banished]],{{Ref/Reuse|hw2}} [[Jul 'Mdama]]'s [[Jul 'Mdama's Covenant|Covenant]] and the [[Swords of Sanghelios]] in the [[Post-Covenant War conflicts|post-war period]].{{Ref/Game|Id=h4|H4|Gameplay}}{{Ref/Game|Id=h5|H5G|Gameplay}}
+Talcum powder and other atmospheric particles can disrupt the systems, causing the technology to overload and fail.<ref name="firststrike">'''[[Halo: First Strike]]'''</ref> The device also generates a considerable amount of heat, causing its user to be clearly visible on human thermal goggles and some variations of the [[SRS99C-S2 AM sniper rifle]].<ref>'''[[Halo: The Flood]]'''</ref> The humans of [[Alpha Base (Installation 04)|Alpha Base]] on [[Installation 04]] used this advantage when their base was infiltrated by stealth Elites, equipping their [[fireteam]]s with infrared goggles allowing them to easily see the attackers. In addition, [[SPARTAN-II program|SPARTAN-IIs]] [[William-043]] and [[Kelly-087]] employed talcum powder in order to overload the camouflage on [[Reach]] in order to find them.{{Ref/Reuse|firststrike}} [[Atriox]] was able to detect the use of active camouflage through smell.{{Ref/Reuse|HP}} However, it is possible he was just smelling the users themselves rather than the cloaking field, and was calling them out for its use.
-**'''[[Ravening Sliver]]''' - Lightweight relic blades with a green hilt and deep blue tint plasma. Each model was marked by its creator and first owner.{{Ref/Reuse|h5}}
-**'''[[Vorpal Talon]]''' - A lightweight variant with a maroon hilt and plasma that produces an orange-to-cyan gradient.{{Ref/Reuse|h5}}
+During the [[Requiem Campaign]], active camouflage was used to shield the [[seven]] [[HAVOK tactical nuclear weapon]]s smuggled aboard the {{UNSCShip|Infinity}} from detection by the ship's AI [[Roland]]. After [[Fireteam Crimson]] took out a Sangheili holding a cloaking remote, Roland realized this tactic. By tracking the energy signature from the cloaking generator, Roland was able to locate the warheads in the Engine Room and direct Crimson where to go to disarm them before they could be used to destroy the ''Infinity''. Unlike conventional active camouflage, this type shielded the warheads from sensors but they could be physically seen by nearby persons without any issue.<ref>'''Spartan Ops''', [[S1/Invasion/Engine of Destruction|S107 ''Invasion'', ''Engine of Destruction'']]</ref> Later, in the [[Warrens]], the Covenant hooked up active camouflage to their shield generators to prevent the human forces from finding and destroying them. Spartan [[Jared Miller]] was eventually able to identify the Sangheili who controlled the active camouflage and after Crimson took him out, the active camouflage dropped, revealing the generators.<ref>'''Spartan Ops''', [[Expendable/Lancer|S108 ''Lancer'']]</ref>
-*'''{{Pattern|Meluth'qelos|energy sword}}''' - A variant with angular contours that saw use among the [[Banished]] during the [[Battle for Zeta Halo]].{{Ref/Game|Id=hi|HI|Gameplay}}
-**'''[[Duelist energy sword]]''' - A purplish-blue colored ''Meluth'qelos''-pattern energy sword with a white hilt. It was used by [[Okro 'Vagaduun]] during Battle for Zeta Halo.{{Ref/Reuse|hi}}
+After the death of [[Gek 'Lhar]], his corpse was looted by [[Fireteam Majestic]]. Spartan [[Gabriel Thorne]] took Gek's active camouflage module<ref>'''Spartan Ops''', [[Expendable|S108 ''Expendable'']]</ref> which he subsequently used during the attempted rescue of Dr. [[Catherine Halsey]].<ref>'''Spartan Ops''', [[S1/Key|S109 ''Key'']]</ref>
-*'''{{Pattern|Pelosus|energy sword}}''' - A variant with circular contours on the blade around the hilt.{{Ref/Reuse|hce}}{{Ref/Reuse|h2}}
-*'''{{Pattern|Zokotus|energy sword}}''' - A variant with asymmetrical blade design.{{Ref/Book|Enc22|Page=307}}
+==UNSC active camouflage==
-*'''[[Unidentified energy sword pattern]]''' - A variant with a widened gap between the two blades above its hilt.{{Ref/Game|HR|Gameplay}}
+[[File:ONIPRO 01.png|thumb|250px|''[[ONI PRO-49776]]'' disengaging its advanced cloaking field, an outlier in UNSC camouflaging technology during the [[Covenant War]].]]
-*'''Fleet of Retribution variant''' - A variant used by Sangheili from the [[Fleet of Retribution]] in [[2552]].{{Ref/Game|H3|Gameplay}}
+The UNSC has developed several varieties of active-camouflage technology. These do not utilize the same light-bending energy as Covenant active camouflage and are generally less effective. The most common form of human active camouflage technology operates on a different principle than the Covenant counterpart, using [[photoreactive panel]]s to impersonate the surrounding environment like a chameleon. A device known as the [[camouflage cloak]] can hide the wearer's infrared signature, beside serving as a form of camouflage.{{Ref/Reuse|goo}}
-*'''[[Mdama keep]] variant''' - A variant manufactured by 'Mdama keep in 2558. The plasma burned less intensely, thus making it harder to cut armor, but causing more grievous injuries and not cauterizing wounds. These swords took advantage of the Sangheili code of honor to make every wound a death blow, as Sangheili who wanted to retain their honor would often commit suicide.{{Ref/Level|Id=alliance|H5G|Alliance}}
+[[File:Headhunters Roland camo.jpg|thumb|250px|[[Roland-B210]] with his camouflage activated.]]
-<gallery class=center>
+The [[Semi-Powered Infiltration armor]] used by the [[SPARTAN-III program|Spartan-IIIs]] utilizes photo-reactive panels to conceal the wearer's infrared signature and to blend in with the surrounding environment. When combined with their natural talent and training for stealth, it can be a very effective tool. Some [[Headhunters]] used a prototype camouflage almost identical to the Covenant version, rendering them almost invisible, except that it only lasted 3–5 minutes and other systems have their power drained while it recharged. This feature saw very limited use in field tests by [[Orbital Drop Shock Trooper|ODSTs]].<ref>'''[[Halo: Evolutions - Essential Tales of the Halo Universe]]''', ''[[Headhunters]]''</ref>
-File:H5G-EnergySword.png|{{Pattern|Domotos|energy sword}}.
-File:H5G Render EnergySword-RaveningSliver.png|Ravening Sliver.
+A common human active camouflage device, copied from similar Covenant technology, comes in the form of a "plug" which attaches to a socket located on the lower back of compatible armor. The non-integral nature of the device allows it to be added or removed at will for improved operational flexibility. The device provides a conditionally effective cloak; as long as the user remains still or moves slowly, the camouflage will be highly efficient, providing near-total invisibility for minimal energy loss. However, if the user moves more quickly, the camouflage will only provide rudimentary coverage and drain its energy very rapidly. Firing a weapon will also disrupt the camouflage and reveal the user. Furthermore, external sounds will be highly muffled to the user while this camouflage is in use, and if the user is equipped with motion tracking equipment, the detection capability of the motion tracker will be severely compromised, jamming the display with "ghost" targets.<ref>'''[[Halo: Reach]]'''</ref>
-File:H5G_VT_sword.png|Vorpal Talon.
-File:HINF energy sword final version.png|{{Pattern|Meluth'qelos|energy sword}}.
+Much like the SPI armor, UNSC [[prowler]]s use [[texture buffer]]s or "active camouflage skin" in conjunction with [[stealth ablative coating]]s to conceal themselves from view in addition to masking their heat and radar signatures.{{Ref/Reuse|goo}} This camouflage is not perfect, however, and cannot keep up with a constantly changing background such as a gas giant's atmosphere.<ref>'''Halo: Evolutions - Essential Tales of the Halo Universe''', "The Impossible Life and the Possible Death of Preston J. Cole", ''page 477''</ref> However, more advanced stealth ships were developed, such as ''[[ONI PRO-49776]]'' using a form of cloak "bubble" similar to the light-bending energy fields used by the Covenant. This technology has not been observed in widespread use.<ref>'''[[Halo Legends]]''', ''[[The Package (animated short)|The Package]]''</ref>
-File:HINF Duelist Sword.png|[[Duelist energy sword]].
-File:H2A EnergySword-MP.png|{{Pattern|Pelosus|energy sword}}.
-File:HR-SwordRender.png|The [[unidentified energy sword pattern]].
-File:H3-EnergySwordProfile.png|Fleet of Retribution variant.
-</gallery>
-;Colors
+The [[MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor (GEN2)|MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor [GEN2]]] system is capable of incorporating Covenant [[Type-3 active camouflage|T-3 Refraction Dissonance Modifier/Camouflage]] modules for stealth.<ref name="Waypoint">[http://www.halowaypoint.com/en-US/Halo4Guide '''Halo Waypoint:''' ''Halo 4 Interactive Guide'']</ref>
-*'''[[Bloodblade]]''' - A red colored energy sword,{{Ref/Site|Id=artofwort|D=21|M=5|Y=2021|URL=https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/news/art-of-wort|Site=Halo Waypoint|Page=Canon Fodder - Art of Wort}}{{Ref/Site|URL=https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/news/brute-force|Site=Halo Waypoint|Page=Canon Fodder: Brute Force|D=20|M=4|Y=2021}} notably used by certain Special Operations units,{{Ref/Reuse|waypoint15}} such as the [[Silent Shadow]].{{Ref/Reuse|hh}}{{Ref/Reuse|Id=artofwort}} Observed to be compatible with the ''Pelosus''-pattern and the unidentified pattern.{{Ref/Reuse|hh}}{{Ref/Level|HW2|A New Enemy}}
-*'''Darkstar''' - A purple energy sword, seemingly associated with old [[Sangheili mythology]].{{Ref/Reuse|Id=artofwort}}
-*'''Evocati's Edge''' - A white energy sword is associated with the [[Evocati]].{{Ref/Reuse|Id=artofwort}}
-*'''Kaidon's Guard''' - An orange energy sword associated with the [[Swords of Sanghelios]].{{Ref/Reuse|Id=artofwort}}
-*'''Lance of Suban''' - A pink energy sword infused with [[Blamite]]. The sword and the material originates from [[Suban]].{{Ref/Reuse|Id=artofwort}}
-*'''Light of Joori''' - A yellow energy sword; Light of Joori is named after the star [[Joori]].{{Ref/Reuse|Id=artofwort}}
-*'''Necroplasma''' - A green colored energy sword.{{Ref/Reuse|Id=artofwort}} The ''Domotos''-pattern variant features a dull green blade that transitions to an inky black near the basket hilt and was used in Spartan-IV War Games.{{Ref/Reuse|H5G}} Another variant was a solid green with a normal hilt.{{Ref/Reuse|Id=artofwort}}
-<gallery class=center>
-File:H2A Render EnergySword-Infected.png|A ''Pelosus''-pattern bloodblade.
-File:H5G greensword.png|A ''Domotos''-pattern Necroplasma.
-</gallery>
-;Notable personalized variants
+==Changes throughout ''Halo''==
-*'''[[Ghostpierce]]''' - A highly specialized energy sword mounted on Banished operative [[Jega 'Rdomnai]]'s prosthetic arm repaired at [[Cherras Keep]]. Like many, it was two-pronged but had a red coloration and a forked structure.{{Ref/Reuse|enc22p482}}
+{{Cleanup|Section}}
-*'''[[Prophets' Bane]]''' - [[Thel 'Vadam]]'s personal energy sword with a unique handle and pale salmon coloring.{{Ref/Reuse|H5G}}
+If the active camo is active during [[Campaign]], the player is completely invisible to the AI enemies unless they fire their weapon. Active camouflage is only usable in Campaign when playing as the [[Thel 'Vadam|Arbiter]] in ''[[Halo 2]]'', or if the player obtains the [[Halo 2 skulls#Envy|Envy Skull]] and restarts Campaign (active camo replaces Master Chief's flashlight). In ''[[Halo 3]]'', rather than Active Camouflage, the slightly different [[Cloaking]] is available. It is also available as a powerup in five levels during ''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]'': [[The Truth and Reconciliation]], [[Silent Cartographer]], [[343 Guilty Spark (level)|343 Guilty Spark]], [[Keyes]], and [[Assault on the Control Room]].
-*'''Ripa 'Moramee's swords''' - [[Ripa 'Moramee]]'s matching pair of custom-designed swords with basket-style hilt guards and radiated a high degree of ionized plasma.{{Ref/Reuse|evgp10}}{{Ref/Reuse|hw}}
-<gallery class=center>
-File:HINF BestBuddies.png|Jega 'Rdomnai's Ghostpierce built into his prosthetic arm.
-File:H5G-Thel&ProphetsBane.jpg|Thel 'Vadam wielding the Prophets' Bane.
-File:HW Render Arbiter Ripa Moramee.png|Ripa 'Moramee's dual custom energy swords.
-</gallery>
-==Non-canon and dubious canon appearances==
+An interesting fact about Active Camouflage is that although the player can see the [[Type-1 energy sword]]-wielding Active Camo Elites in ''Halo: Combat Evolved'' (due to the sword), the [[UNSC Marine Corps|Marines]] cannot see them; this is likely because the developers did not realize that the energy sword showed through the Active Camo, leading them to code the Marines' AI to be oblivious to it. This advantage is removed in ''Halo 2''—the Elites now wait, only activating their swords when they're about to kill the player.
-[[File:HTV-JohnvsElites.png|thumb|250px|Covenant Sangheili with energy swords in ''[[Halo: The Television Series]]''.]]
-===Silver Timeline===
-{{Main|Silver Timeline}}
-''Meluth'qelos''-pattern energy swords are used by Covenant Sangheili against humanity.
-== Gameplay ==
+===''Halo 2''===
-{{Main|energy sword}}
+In ''Halo 2'', it is noted that the Arbiter's armor, while possessing a built-in active camouflage generator, is not permanent, unlike the more modern generators used by Special Operations Elites. There is a circle on the player's HUD that shows the amount of time left (unfortunately, not shown numerically) for both the usage of the active camouflage and the recharging sequence. The Master Chief can gain this ability with the Envy Skull on Legendary only; however, his screen will lack the meter, forcing you to remember the time allowed for use.
-The energy sword was first introduced in ''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]'', albeit unusable by players. It was then made available to players in ''[[Halo 2]]'' and has become a mainstay weapon in series ever since. The energy sword is a powerful melee weapon in close-quarters combat, capable of killing most foes with a single strike. It is a [[power weapon]] that appears on some multiplayer maps.
-There are two ways to attack with the energy sword. The first is a simple melee, this performs a quick horizontal or overhanded swipe. The second attack is to lunge with the energy sword, allowing players lunges forward at the enemies. However, this require the player to initiate an attack when the aiming reticule turns red, indicating that the opposing player is within range. A depleted energy sword hilt can still be used offensively. While the damage varies, it has a higher melee rate than any weapon, allowing the player to barrage an enemy with many hits. Once the hilt is swapped for another weapon, however, it cannot be picked up again and often vanishes entirely.
+When playing as the Arbiter, using any attack will cause the active camouflage to deactivate, and the player must wait for it to recharge before using it again.<ref>'''[[Halo 2]]'''</ref>
-<!--
-=== Changes from ''Halo: Combat Evolved'' to ''Halo 2'' ===
-[[File:Sword.jpg|thumb|right|150px|A blueprint of the energy sword in ''Halo 2''.]]
-In ''Halo: Combat Evolved'', the energy sword has a cyan glow, a far less defined edge and makes a dull clunk when striking an object. It is only used by Stealth Sangheili and Zealots. The player cannot wield the energy sword, due to a fail-safe mechanism that vaporizes the weapon when it is not released properly (e.g. being dropped upon death) by the sword-wielder.
-In ''Halo 2'', the energy sword is blue with purple undertones, with electrical energy crackling on it when the blade is activated. The white glow seen in ''Halo: Combat Evolved'' is also replaced with a more glass-like transparency. In the campaign, it is only used by higher-ranking Sangheili, such as special operations units, [[Sangheili Ultra|Ultras]] and [[Zealots]], though players can now wield the sword. The sword in campaign has a battery and can only be used effectively against a limited number of enemy forces before the battery runs out. The sword is usable in multiplayer with an infinite battery power. The energy sword has two modes of attacking; a lunge attack and a swing attack.
+===''Halo 3''===
-{{Clear}}
+{{Main|Cloaking}}
+In ''Halo 3'', the Active Camo is no longer contained inside a pyramid construct. Instead it appears as a large, glowing sphere with what appears to be containment devices around it, enclosing the powerup in ''[[Halo 3]]'' [[multiplayer]]; but unlike past Halo games, active camo is ''not'' found in campaign. In campaign, Active Camouflage is replaced by the [[Cloaking]] [[equipment]], which functions in the same way as active camouflage once did. Melee attacks, shooting, throwing grenades and using equipment will negate the effect of the power-up. Also, wearing the [[Armor customization (Halo 3)#Spartan Armor Permutations|Flaming Helmet]] is an obvious give-away to the opponent because the fire is still visible.
+By default, the pick-up lasts 30 seconds and doesn't dissipate with movement, unlike in Reach.
-=== Changes from ''Halo 2'' to ''Halo 3'' ===
+The quality of camouflage in custom games may be set to two different settings:<ref>[http://www.gametrailers.com/player/20131.html '''Game Trailers''': ''Custom Games Glitch Gameplay'']</ref>
-[[File:ReachSchematic - Sword.png|right|150px|thumb|A blueprint of the energy sword in ''Halo 3''.]]
+*'''Poor Camo''': The player has camouflage that might fool a [[Unggoy|Grunt]].
-In ''Halo 3'', the sword has more of a light cyan tinge, similar to its appearance in ''Halo: Combat Evolved'', but still has a tint of purple near the handle. It also has an angle near the handle, whereas in the two previous games it was curved. Players are now able to parry with the Sword. The power exerted by the swords hitting each other will drain both players' shields, but will not kill them unless one makes the fatal blow. The sword's lunge attack has been reduced for balancing purposes. Aside from these changes in design and functionality, the power of the sword remains unchanged. In multiplayer, the sword now has a limited battery supply.
+**The player is still somewhat visible.
-{{Clear}}
+*'''Good Camo''': The player has camouflage that will fool an attentive [[Sangheili|Elite]].
+**This makes the player almost invisible, but the light is distorted within the player's shape.
-=== Changes from ''Halo 3'' to ''Halo: Reach'' ===
+===''Halo: Reach''===
-In ''Halo: Reach'', the sword is now darker in color. When activated, it is capable of lighting up the surrounding area. When unused, the sword rests differently on the SPARTAN and Sangheili character models. The energy sword appears to have been balanced out compared with its earlier incarnations, having a slightly faster swing than its ''[[Halo 3]]'' incarnation, its lunge attack now does the same damage as a normal swing, the range has been reduced, and can now be blocked by a well-timed normal melee. Players can no longer lunge immediately after a normal swing. The energy sword also has its own assassination animations when used against Elites or Spartans, replacing the Spartan [[combat knife]] and the Sangheili [[energy dagger]]; these assassinations do not deplete the sword's charge, nor do they count toward the weapon spree medals [[Sword Spree]], [[Slice 'N Dice]], or [[Cutting Crew]]. Elites also hold the sword back more than a Spartan when used as an active weapon. When a player is playing as an Elite and uses the energy sword as a primary weapon, the camera will lower a bit; this is due to the Elite hunching down. Finally, parrying does slight damage and can kill a player.
+The Active Camo in ''[[Halo: Reach]]'' has undergone many major changes. It is now available as an [[Armor abilities|Armor Ability]] to both Spartan and Elite players. As a secondary effect, when used, it acts as a Radar Jammer, scrambling the radar of the user and all enemies within 25 meters, making the user harder for enemies to detect on their motion trackers. This function can be both beneficial and detrimental to the player; on the one hand, it can make enemies easier to ambush, however, it also informs the enemy team that someone is using Camo nearby. This can backfire on the player by making the enemy team more perceptive to possible ambushes. The Active Camo also greatly reduces the volume of all sounds for its user, making it more difficult to notice a grenade being thrown or a nearby enemy firing a weapon.
-{{Clear}}
-=== Changes from ''Halo: Reach'' to ''Halo 4'' ===
+The strength or effectiveness of the Camo also varies depending on whether/how fast the user is moving. When standing still, the player is rendered almost completely invisible. Moving slowly or crouch-walking will slightly decrease the quality of cloaking, although the user is still hard to spot. When moving faster than crouch-walking speed, the Active Camo becomes much less effective, cloaking the user only partially (similar to the Poor Camo from Halo 3). The player's movement speed does not affect the rate at which the Armor Ability meter drains.
-[[File:EnergySword-HUD.png|right|150px|thumb|HUD icon of the energy sword in ''Halo 4''.]]
+The freedom for the player to control when they activate their camouflage makes it much more effective, as it allows for use in the most opportune situations, instead of restricting the player to activate it on pickup. However, the reduced hearing and radar jamming effects require the player to be more aware of his surroundings than usual,<ref>[http://halo.bungie.net/News/content.aspx?type=topnews&cid=26366 '''Bungie.net''': ''Halo: Reach Beta Survival Guide '']</ref> and must also take care not to move too fast.
-Contrary to ''Halo: Reach'', ''Halo 4'' does not feature the possibility to block a sword lunge with a simple melee. Killing an opponent with an energy sword no longer rewards the player with a [[Bone Cracker|Pummel]] medal, it is instead replaced by the [[Sword Kill]] medal. The battery is also drained with every hit, including against walls and floors, so it's far less viable against Hunters and other powerful enemies.
-{{Clear}}
-=== Changes from ''Halo 4'' to ''Halo 2: Anniversary'' ===
+Enemies in campaign and Firefight will detect the user after a while. As such, it is far less effective than previous iterations.
-Like the original ''Halo 2'', players cannot parry with the sword. An alternate version of the sword with a red-colored blade, called the ''Infected energy sword'', can be used.
-* Players can melee with the sword as soon as they swap to it.
-* Melee range is drastically increased.
-* Unlike its ''Halo 2'' counterpart, its battery can be depleted.
-{{Clear}}
-=== Changes from ''Halo 2: Anniversary'' to ''Halo 5: Guardians'' ===
+===''Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary''===
-The ''Halo 5: Guardians'' sword retains the ability to parry from ''Halo 4''. Unlike in past titles, players can aim with the sword to increase its effective range, and the weapon provides a noticeable speed boost which is enough to make the player visible on the motion sensor while crouching. Three unique versions of the energy sword are available for use: ''[[Ravening Sliver]]'', ''[[Vorpal Talon]]'', and the [[Mythic weapon|mythic]] ''[[Prophets' Bane]]''.
+Active camouflage now makes the user extremely hard to spot due to the enhanced graphics. Distortion also covers more the exact shape of the user, unlike previous iterations.
-If the energy sword's battery is depleted, the player cannot lunge with the sword.
+===''Halo 4''===
-{{Clear}}
+The '''[[Type-3 active camouflage|Type-3 Refraction Dissonance Modifier/Camouflage]]''' bends light around a structure, hiding it via advanced pattern realignment. It is similar to the version in ''Halo: Reach'', however the jammer no longer makes false hostile contacts appear on the motion sensor, rather it makes neutral contacts appear and in a much tighter grouping than before, therefore not only preventing the user from using it to trick enemies, but possibly giving away their location. Despite this, it still is an effective tool for hiding outside of cover and ambushing enemies.
-=== Changes from ''Halo 5: Guardians'' to ''Halo Infinite'' ===
+===''Halo 5: Guardians''===
-* The energy sword no longer has the ability to Smart Scope
+Active camouflage is now a powerup that can be picked up in Arena or requisitioned in Warzone. While active the user is invisible to the motion sensors of enemies as long as they are not sprinting. Moving while crouched no longer deteriorates the quality of camouflage, though moving faster would. It now displays a meter on the HUD that shows the remaining duration of the power up, and shortly before it runs out, the player will be notified via a quiet beeping sound.
-* Lunges from the energy sword depletes ~15% of its battery as opposed to 10% in past games.
-* Power ammunition crates and energy swords in the battlefield refill its battery without the need to pick up a fresh one.
-* The sword is curved again, similar to the ''Halo 2'' and ''Halo 2: Anniversary'' incarnations. The blade is also now a much deeper blue, similar to ''Halo: Reach''’s.
-{{Clear}}
--->
-== Trivia ==
+===''Halo Wars 2''===
-* The shape of the energy sword is very similar to the real-life combat weapon, the [[Wikipedia:Katar (dagger)|katar]]. It was a South Asian weapon and status symbol, similar to the energy sword's symbolization of status among the Sangheili.
+Shrouds are able to cloak themselves and other units. [[Let 'Volir]] is able to cloak units with leader abilities.
-* In the ''Halo 3'' [[ViDoc]] [[Halo 3 ViDoc: Et Tu, Brute?|Et Tu, Brute?]] there is an unfinished animation depicting a [[Jiralhanae Chieftain]] wielding an energy sword. The energy sword, however, was never seen in the hands of Jiralhanae in the final game.
-* As a part of ''[[Destinypedia:Dares of Eternity|Dares of Eternity]]'' in ''[[Wikipedia:Destiny 2|Destiny 2]]''{{'}}s Bungie 30th Anniversary Pack, two swords resembling the energy sword, the arc sword [[Destinypedia:Half-Truths|Half-Truths]] and the void sword [[Destinypedia:The Other Half|The Other Half]], were released.
-*In [[Wikipedia:Konami|Konami]]'s ''[[Wikipedia:Super Bomberman R|Super Bomberman R]]'', the ''Halo 3'' energy sword is the weapon used by the [[Arbiter|Arbiter Bomber]].
-== Gallery ==
+===''Halo Infinite''===
-{{Linkbox|gallery=yes|gallerypage=Images of energy swords|gameplay=yes}}
+Active Camouflage is activated via an animation similarly to ''Halo 5: Guardians'', although it can now be used at will. If the player is killed before they can use it, or while in the process of activating it, they will drop the powerup which can now be picked up by another player. Active camouflage in ''Halo Infinite'' behaves like a hybrid of the active camouflage seen in the original trilogy, and the active camo seen in all the games since ''Halo: Reach''. If the player is simply moving and strafing, the camouflage remains consistent, but if they sprint or fire their weapon, the camo fades out. {{Ref/YouTube|Id=mpoverview|n-O7OuliQRY|HALO|Halo Infinite <nowiki>|</nowiki> Multiplayer Overview|D=4|M=7|Y=2021}}
-=== Screenshots===
-<gallery>
-File:Swordelite.jpg|A Zealot with a ''Pelosus''-pattern energy sword as it appears in ''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]''.
-File:Gold Elite.JPG|A Zealot wielding a ''Pelosus''-pattern energy sword in ''Halo 2''.
-File:H3 Energy Sword profile.JPG|The energy sword in ''[[Halo 3]]''
-File:H3 Energy Sword render.png|A tender of the energy sword in ''Halo 3''.
-File:H3-EnergySwordProfile.png|An in-game profile view of the energy sword from ''Halo 3''.
-File:H3 DLC RatsNest 1stPerson-02.jpg|First-person view of the energy sword in ''Halo 3''.
-File:H3 Foundry Spartan clash.jpg|Two Spartans parrying in the air on [[Foundry]] in ''Halo 3''.
-File:Swordstrike.JPG|A sword lunge in ''Halo 3''.
-File:Sword Study2.jpg|A study of the energy sword from ''Halo 3''.
-File:HaloWars-EnergySword-PlasmaBleed.png|An energy sword as seen in the ''[[Halo Wars]]'' announcement trailer.
-File:LegendsPackage-John117-EnergySword.jpg|[[John-117]] wielding an energy sword against [[Thel 'Lodamee]] in ''Halo Legends: [[The Package (animated short)|The Package]]''.
-File:HR FieldMarshalSword.png|A [[Sangheili Field Marshal]] prepares to swing down his energy sword in ''Halo: Reach''.
-File:Cartographer Zealot.jpg|A Zealot with an energy sword in ''[[Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary]]''.
-File:H4-Commander&Storm.png|A [[Commander (Covenant)|Commander]] with an energy sword in ''[[Spartan Ops]]''.
-File:Nightfall - Sangheili attack.png|A Hesduros Zealot with an energy sword during the [[Terrorist attack on Sedra City]] in ''[[Halo: Nightfall]]''.
-File:H2A-Rtas&Arbiter.jpg|[[Rtas 'Vadum]] with a ''Pelosus''-pattern energy sword in ''Halo 2: Anniversary''.
-File:H2AZealot.jpg|A Zealot with an energy sword in ''Halo 2: Anniversary''.
-File:H2AMP-EnergySword.png|A [[HOPLITE-class Mjolnir|Hoplite]]-clad Spartan using a ''Pelosus''-pattern energy sword on [[Stonetown]] in ''Halo 2: Anniversary''.
-File:H5G-John&Sword.jpg|John-117 armed with an energy sword during the [[Operation: BIRD IN HAND|Raid on ''Argent Moon'']] in ''[[Halo 5: Guardians]]''.
-File:Halo Online - screenshot.jpg|First-person view of the energy sword in ''[[Halo Online]]''.
-File:HINF ChakLok.png|The [[Sangheili Warlord]] [[Chak 'Lok]] holding an energy sword in ''[[Halo Infinite]]''
-</gallery>
-=== Concept art and artwork ===
+==Non-canon and dubious canon appearances==
-<gallery>
+===Silver Timeline===
-File:HW_Arbiter_EnergySword_Concept.jpg|A study of [[Arbiter]] [[Ripa 'Moramee]]'s custom energy swords in ''Halo Wars''.
+{{Main|Silver Timeline}}
-File:Fal - The Duel.png|Arbiter [[Fal 'Chavamee]] dual wielding energy swords in ''[[Halo Legends]]: [[The Duel]]''.
+Active camouflage is used by Covenant Sangheili.{{Ref/Film|[[Halo: The Television Series Season One]], [[Contact]]}}
-File:Schism 2.png|A Sangheili dual wielding energy swords against a [[Jiralhanae Captain Major]] in ''[[The Return]]''.
+==Trivia==
-File:BL Reff kills Thon.png|[[Reff 'Talamee]] kills his [[Thon 'Talamee|brother]] with an energy sword during the [[Battle of Line-Installation 1-4]] in ''[[Halo: Blood Line]]''.
+*Changing the graphics card settings on [[Halo: Combat Evolved (PC port)|''Halo: Combat Evolved'' for PC]] (lowering the quality and effects) makes active camouflage users appear as an easily-seen gray, opaque silhouette.
-File:HE14 Traitor 4.jpg|[[Jul 'Mdama]] killing a prisoner with his energy sword in ''[[Halo: Escalation]]''.
+*In ''Halo: Combat Evolved'', the flood can still see you if you use active camo.
-File:Hunters in the Dark full cover.jpg|Shipmaster [[N'tho 'Sraom]] using an energy sword during [[Operation: FAR STORM]] in ''[[Halo: Hunters in the Dark]]''.
+*Oddly enough, a group of Major and Minor Grunts in the ''Halo 2'' level [[Delta Halo]] used Active Camouflage as they fought alongside a group of [[Stealth Sangheili|Stealth Elites]]. Spec Ops Grunts are also seen using this in the level [[The Arbiter]] just before entering the gas mine. This suggests that at least some Grunts have this equipment.
-File:H2A Terminals - Thel and Marine.png|Supreme Commander Thel 'Vadamee with an energy sword in ''Halo 2: Anniversary''{{'}}s [[Terminal (Halo 2: Anniversary)|terminals]].
+*When used in association with an [[Overshield]], the Active Camo becomes completely useless due to the charges of the overshield washing over the player's body (except in ''Halo: Combat Evolved''). In ''[[Halo 3]]'', the same effect occurs when Active Camouflage and Overshields are both working.
-File:HSOI-CoverArt.jpg|Rtas 'Vadum using an energy sword in ''[[Halo: Shadow of Intent]]''.
+*The active camouflage has no effect on the flames on the [[Bungie Armor]], allowing enemies to more easily locate the user of the chest piece.
-File:Leon-011.png|Concept art of [[Leon-011]] with an energy sword for ''[[Halo Wars 2]]''.
+*With the [[Halo 2 skulls#Envy|Envy]] skull on in ''[[Halo 2]]'', the [[John-117|Master Chief]]'s flashlight will be replaced with active camouflage. This can also be combined with a glitch which allows you to reload from a checkpoint, after saving and quitting, and turning off your console, with infinite active camouflage. This makes the Campaign on ''Halo 2'' considerably easier, even on Legendary difficulty.
-</gallery>
+*In any Halo game, when you have active camouflage on and you get in a vehicle, the camouflage stays on and appears as if there was a ghost driving it or that it was driving itself (works particularly well with the Warthog LAAG). It works with any vehicle which exposes the occupants to view.
+*In ''Halo 2'' for Windows Vista, when playing on Threshold, your comrades are not picked up by radar when camouflaged.
+*The lights on a [[Gravity hammer (fiction)|gravity hammer]] can be seen clearly when camouflaged. It is not recommended to have a Gravity Hammer either as your primary weapon or secondary weapon when using active camo, as the lights make you an easy target for experienced snipers.
+*In ''Halo 3'', go in Monitor mode and find an Active Camouflage. Go inside it. After about 10–20 seconds, the Active Camo will stop making its shimmering noise and you'll hear a brief whispering sound (like a sigh or breath), and then it will continue its shimmering noise.
+*Strangely, the active camo module in the ''Halo: Reach'' [[Halo: Reach Multiplayer Beta|Beta]] had "UNSC" printed on it, even when being used by Elites, though this is likely because it was a placeholder file.
+*The Overshield as well as Active camouflage were requested by Hardy LeBel as a feature for Halo: CE's multiplayer. The team working on the campaign saw that they were and added them too.
-=== Merchandise ===
+==Gallery==
 <gallery>
-File:HaloCovenantEnergySword-PropReplica.png|Prop replica version of the energy sword.
+File:HaloCE-ActiveCamouflage.jpg|A Stealth Elite using active camouflage in ''Halo: Combat Evolved''.
-File:Halo-Mattel-Energy-Sword.png|Mattel prop replica energy sword available to buy at GameStop, circa 2016.
+File:HCE_Campaign_ActiveCamo_Pickup.jpg|Active Camo in ''Halo: Combat Evolved'' campaign.
+File:HCE_MP_ActiveCamo_Pickup.png|Active Camo in ''Halo: Combat Evolved'' multiplayer.
+File:HCEPC ActiveCamoflage.png|Active camouflage on ''[[Halo: Combat Evolved (PC port)|''Halo: Combat Evolved'' for PC]]''.
+File:H2 Active Camouflage.png|The Active Camouflage in ''Halo 2''.
+File:H3_ActiveCamo.jpg|The Active Camouflage in ''Halo 3''.
+File:H3_Bungie_Camo.jpg|Bungie Armor and Active Camouflage in ''Halo 3''.
+File:HReach Active Camouflage.jpg|The Active Camouflage powerup in ''Halo: Reach''.
+File:HR SpecOpsElites.jpg|Multiple SpecOps Sangheili using active camouflage, with one also possessing [[Overshield]].
+File:H4 ActiveCamo_Spartan.jpg|Active Camouflage in use in ''[[Halo 4]]''.
+File:H2A-ActiveCamo.png|Active camouflage in ''[[Halo 2: Anniversary]]'' multiplayer.
+File:H2A-CloakedSpartan.png|A Spartan using active camouflage in ''Halo 2: Anniversary'' multiplayer.
+File:REQ Card - Active Camo I.png|REQ card for Active Camouflage in [[Halo 5: Guardians]].
+File:Activecamo2.png|REQ Card for Active Camouflage II.
+File:Activecamo3.png|REQ Card for Active Camouflage III.
+File:H5G-Camo.png|A Spartan-IV using active camouflage in ''Halo 5: Guardians''.
+File:HINF ActiveCamouflage Icon.png|HUD icon for the active camouflage in ''[[Halo Infinite]]''.
+File:HINF-CamoOrko.png|[[Okro 'Vagaduun]] using active camo in ''Halo Infinite''.
+File:HINF-Deadlockcamo.jpg|A Spartan-IV carrying an active camo module in ''Halo Infinite''.
+File:HINF-Camo1.png|A Spartan-IV activating an active camo module in ''Halo Infinite''.
+File:HINF-CamodSpartan.png|A Spartan-IV with active camo in ''Halo Infinite''.
+File:HTV-Contact-ActiveCamomodule.jpg|A Sangheili with an active camo module in ''[[Halo: The Television Series]]''.
+File:HTV-Contact-ActiveCamo.jpg|The same Sangheili activating the active camo.
 </gallery>
-== List of appearances ==
+==List of appearances==
-{{Col-begin}}
+*''[[Halo: The Fall of Reach]]'' {{1st}}
-{{Col-2}}
+*''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]''
-* ''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]'' {{1st}}
+*''[[Halo: The Flood]]''
-* ''[[Halo: The Flood]]''
+*''[[Halo: First Strike]]''
-* ''[[Halo: First Strike]]''
+*''[[Halo 2]]''
-* ''[[i love bees]]''
+*''[[Halo: Ghosts of Onyx]]''
-* ''[[Halo 2]]''
+*''[[Halo 3]]''
-* ''[[Halo Graphic Novel]]''
+*''[[Halo Wars]]''
-** ''[[The Last Voyage of the Infinite Succor]]''
+*''[[Halo 3: ODST]]''
-* ''[[Halo: Ghosts of Onyx]]''
+*''[[Halo Legends]]''
-* ''[[Halo 3]]''
+**''[[The Package (animated short)|The Package]]''
-* ''[[Halo: The Cole Protocol]]''
+*''[[Halo Evolutions - Essential Tales of the Halo Universe]]''
-* ''[[Halo Wars: Genesis]]''
+**''[[Headhunters (short story)|Headhunters]]''
-* ''[[Halo Wars]]''
+**''[[The Impossible Life and the Possible Death of Preston J. Cole]]''
-* ''[[Halo: Helljumper]]''
+*''[[Halo: Reach]]''
-* ''[[Halo 3: ODST]]''
+*''[[Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary]]''
-* ''[[Halo Legends]]''
+*''[[Halo 4: Forward Unto Dawn]]''
-** ''[[The Package (animated short)|The Package]]''
+*''[[Halo 4]]''
-** ''[[The Duel]]''
+**''[[Spartan Ops]]''
-** ''[[Origins]]''
+*''[[Halo: Spartan Assault]]''
-* ''[[Halo: Evolutions - Essential Tales of the Halo Universe]]''
+*''[[Halo 2: Anniversary]]''
-** ''[[Headhunters (short story)|Headhunters]]''
+**''[[Terminal (Halo 2: Anniversary)|Terminals]]''
-** ''[[The Return]]''
+*''[[Halo: New Blood]]'' {{Mo}}
-* ''[[Halo: Blood Line]]''
+*''[[Halo: Last Light]]''
-* ''[[Remember Reach]]''
+*''[[Halo 5: Guardians]]''
-** ''[[Deliver Hope]]''
+*''[[Halo: Fractures]]''
-* ''[[Halo: Reach]]''
+**''[[Oasis]]''
-* ''[[Halo: Fall of Reach]]''
+*''[[Halo: Smoke and Shadow]]''
-** ''[[Halo: Fall of Reach - Invasion|Invasion]]''
+*''[[Halo: Tales from Slipspace]]
-* ''[[Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary]]''
+**''[[Hunting Party]]''
-** ''[[Terminal (Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary)|Terminals]]''
+*''[[Halo Wars 2]]''
-* ''[[Halo 4: Forward Unto Dawn]]''
+*''[[Halo: Envoy]]''
-* ''[[Halo 4]]''
+*''[[Halo: Collateral Damage]]''
-** ''[[Spartan Ops]]''
+*''[[Halo: Official Spartan Field Manual]]'' {{Mo}}
-{{Col-2}}
+*''[[Halo: Shadows of Reach]]''
-* ''[[Halo: Spartan Assault]]''
+*''[[Halo: Divine Wind]]''
-* ''[[Halo: Escalation]]''
-* ''[[Halo: Broken Circle]]''
-* ''[[Halo: Nightfall]]''
-* ''[[Halo 2: Anniversary]]''
-** ''[[Terminal (Halo 2: Anniversary)|Terminals]]''
-* ''[[Halo: Spartan Strike]]''
-* ''[[Halo: Hunters in the Dark]]''
-* ''[[Halo: The Fall of Reach - The Animated Series]]''
-* ''[[Halo 5: Guardians]]''
-* ''[[Halo: Shadow of Intent]]''
-* ''[[Know Your Enemy]]''
-* ''[[Halo: Ground Command]]''
-* ''[[Halo Mythos]]''
-* ''[[Halo: Fractures]]''
-** ''[[Breaking Strain]]''
-** ''[[Oasis]]''
-* ''[[Halo: Tales from Slipspace]]''
-** ''[[Fireteam Majestic Poker Night]]''
-** ''[[Hunting Party]]''
-** ''[[Knight Takes Bishop]]''
-* ''[[Halo: Smoke and Shadow]]''
-* ''[[Halo Wars 2]]''
-* ''[[Halo: Envoy]]''
-* ''[[Halo: Recruit]]'' {{C|Non-canonical appearance}}
-* ''[[Halo: Rise of Atriox]]''
-* ''[[Halo: Legacy of Onyx]]''
-* ''[[Halo: Bad Blood]]''
-* ''[[Halo: Fireteam Raven]]''
-* ''[[Halo: Silent Storm]]''
-*''[[Halo: Lone Wolf]]''
-*''[[Halo: Outpost Discovery]]''
-*''[[Halo: Oblivion]]''
-*''[[Halo: Meridian Divide]]''
-*''[[Halo: Shadows of Reach]]''{{Ref/Novel|Id=SOR3|HSoR|Chapter=3}}
-**''[[Sacrifice]]''
-*''[[Halo: Divine Wind]]'' {{Mo}}
 *''[[Halo Infinite]]''
 *''[[Halo: The Television Series]]''
 **''[[Contact]]''
-**''[[Homecoming (TV Series)|Homecoming]]'' {{Mo}}
-**''[[Transcendence]]''
 *''[[Halo: The Rubicon Protocol]]''
-{{Col-end}}
+*''[[Halo: Outcasts]]''
+==Sources==
+{{Ref/Sources}}
+{{Navbox/Pickups/Gameplay}}
-== Sources ==
+[[Category:Camouflage]]
-{{Ref/Sources|2}}
+[[Category:Armor abilities]]
+[[Category:Power ups]]