Vehicles

Like weapons, the vehicles are tied to the REQ Cards in your collection. For example, if you have a REQ Card for a Ghost, you can activate it by interacting with a REQ Station and selecting the card from your collection—the card’s REQ Level must be met. Upon activation, you’re automatically transferred to the driver’s seat of your chosen vehicle and ready to join the fight. Vehicles are single-use items—once you activate the REQ Card, it is consumed. So always monitor the ever-changing tactical situation to determine the best time to deploy vehicles.

Banshee

The Banshee is easily the Covenant’s most common support aircraft, offering extremely high maneuverability alongside an impressive armament.

Crew: 1 Operator

Faction: Covenant

Field Notes

» The Banshee is the most common aerial vehicle deployed during Warzone matches. Its rapid-fire Plasma Cannons are perfect for lining up strafing runs against opponents and Bosses. For even more destructive firepower, unleash the Banshee’s powerful Fuel Rod Cannon—this weapon’s explosive munitions are best deployed against vehicles or tight clusters of enemies.

» Due to their destructive capabilities, Banshees draw a lot of attention—all incoming fire inflicts damage. The vehicle utilizes a shield system, similar to Spartans. While the shields can withstand some considerable punishment, they’ll eventually fail, exposing the Banshee to permanent damage. When coming under fire, fly away from the threat—consider flying low, using terrain, buildings, and other objects to block an attacker’s line of sight. The vehicle’s shields won’t recharge until the Banshee is out of danger.

» Pay close attention to the Banshee’s damage level. If it begins spewing smoke and blue sparks, the vehicle is damaged, but not critical. However, when the sparks give way to flames, it’s time to bail out—especially if the shields have failed.

REQ Cards

Ghost

The Ghost is the Covenant’s premiere scouting vehicle and has been a staple of their ground forces in a number of variations.

Crew: 1 Operator

Faction: Covenant

Field Notes

» The Ghost is a highly maneuverable ground vehicle fitted with dual rapid-fire plasma cannons. Hovering above the battlefield, the Ghost can slip laterally, giving the vehicle the ability to circle-strafe around opponents. Moving laterally makes the vehicle much more difficult for opponents to hit. This also makes it easier to deploy the Ghost’s front-mounted plasma cannons with impressive accuracy. So don’t be afraid to attack aggressively—just keep moving and shooting.

» The vehicle’s open-cockpit design leaves the operator completely exposed to incoming fire, particularly when attacked from the sides. To avoid getting picked off by sharpshooters, keep moving—the vehicle’s speed and maneuverability are its best defense. Just avoid close contact with enemy Spartans—they can rip you out of the Ghost’s seat and take off with your ride.

» The Ghost doesn’t have shields, but it can absorb an impressive amount of abuse. However, if the vehicle begins smoking, consider ditching it before it explodes.

REQ Cards

Mantis

The Mantis is a highly classified armor defense system with incredible firepower and dexterity, despite its impressive size.

Crew: 1 Operator

Faction: UNSC

Field Notes

» The UNSC Mantis is arguably the most feared weapon system on the battlefield. Its right arm is fitted with a heavy machine gun, perfect for tearing up infantry and lightly armored units. The left arm is equipped with multi-launch missile launcher, firing a salvo of five high-explosive missiles. When aimed skyward, these missiles can lock on to aerial targets.

» While the Mantis benefits from an impressive array of weaponry, the vehicle is relatively slow when compared to the Warthog or Ghost. This can be a liability when operating in close combat—if surrounded by enemies, retreat. Instead of charging headlong into battle, keep your distance and open fire from a safe distance. Although prone to overheating, the heavy machine gun is surprisingly accurate at mid- to long range. Use it to mow down opponents or tear through a Boss’s shields.

» If confronting enemy Spartans or Marines at point-blank range, instead of shooting them try to take them out with a devastating melee stomp. But you practically need to be on top of them to score one of these kills.

» The Mantis benefits from shielding—but that doesn't mean its invincible. Try to keep it from taking heavy damage. Keeping your distance from enemies and utilizing cover can extend its lifespan considerably. Don’t panic if the Mantis begins spewing orange sparks. However, if you see flames, prepare to bail out.

REQ Cards

Mongoose

The Mongoose is a light all-terrain ground reconnaissance vehicle used by the UNSC and developed by AMG Transport Dynamics. The Gungoose variants are equipped with fixed, driver-operated twin grenade launchers.

Crew: 1 Operator, 1 Passenger

Faction: UNSC

Field Notes

» The Mongoose and its Gungoose variant are speedy all-terrain quad bikes, perfect for moving around the battlefield. But even when equipped with a twin grenade launcher, this vehicle is primarily a transport. Even skilled Gungoose drivers will have a tough time going head-to-head against a Ghost or larger ground vehicle. However, the grenades are very effective against Spartans

» The operator and passenger on the Mongoose are completely exposed—even more than a Ghost operator. Your best defense against incoming fire is the Mongoose’s impressive speed. While the Mongoose and Gungoose can absorb significant damage, the operator and passenger are likely to take the brunt of incoming fire.

» When riding on the back of a Mongoose or Gungoose, you can fire any weapons in your inventory. A passenger equipped with a Rocket Launcher or Hydra Launcher can make this vehicle a more formidable threat. While speeding around the battlefield, use these weapons (and others with homing ability) to lock on to targets. Unless using a weapon with homing ability, hitting targets from the back of a speeding Mongoose or Gungoose is very difficult.

» Passengers on the back of the Gungoose have unlimited Fragmentation Grenades; this does not apply to the Mongoose. While riding on the back of a Gungoose, continually toss grenades to score some easy kills.

REQ Cards

Mongoose

Gungoose

Phaeton

The Phaeton benefits from VTOL (Vertical Take-Off Landing) and translocation technology, providing enhanced mobility. Designed primarily as a close support gunship, the Phaeton can also defend itself against aerial threats.

Crew: 1 Operator

Faction: Forerunner

Field Notes

» The Phaeton’s rarity and cost usually restrict its appearance to the latter moments of closely contested Warzone matches—but when it does appear, pay close attention. The aerial vehicle’s VTOL ability allows it to hover as well as fly laterally and backward. In addition to its unprecedented maneuverability, the Phaeton is armed with a powerful energy cannon and a missile launcher. Both the energy cannon and missiles inflict remarkable splash damage, perfect for taking out opponents and Bosses alike.

» By pressing the thrust button and moving in any direction, the Phaeton performs a translocation, essentially warping to a new location a few meters away. For best results, use the translocation ability to move laterally when evading incoming fire. Like a Spartan’s thrust, the translocation ability takes a few seconds to recharge before it can be deployed again. Translocation can also come in handy when retreating.

» Like the Banshee, the Phaeton is likely to draw its fair share of incoming fire. Using the vehicle’s ability to slip laterally, strafe around the perimeter of the map, keeping the Phaeton’s weapons aimed toward the center at all times. This allows you to saturate the center of the map with fire while continually moving, making you a tougher target to hit. The Phaeton trails golden sparks and exhibits blemishes to its exterior when it’s damaged. But instead of bailing out, stay in the Phaeton until it explodes—the amount of damage you can inflict with this vehicle outweighs the inconvenience of respawning.

REQ Cards

Scorpion

The Scorpion is the UNSC’s main battle tank, with an extraordinary track record of success across dozens of planets and hundreds of battlefields.

Crew: 1 Operator, 1 Gunner

Faction: UNSC

Field Notes

» Equipped with a powerful turret-mounted cannon, the Scorpion is the natural rival of the Covenant’s Wraith. But that doesn’t mean the vehicle isn’t capable of fulfilling other roles. In Warzone matches the Scorpion is a formidable Base defender—if the opposing team holds all three objectives, park a Scorpion outside your Base to fend off attackers.

» The chassis and turret move independently. When driving the Scorpion, use the movement stick to orient the chassis and drive forward or backward. The aim stick is used to rotate the turret and adjust the cannon’s pitch. Compared to other ground vehicles, the Scorpion is rather sluggish and unwieldy. So avoid close-quarter duels with other ground units—instead, hold back and pound them from long range.

» Equipped with a cannon and a machine gun turret, the Scorpion is capable of dealing with a variety of threats. The main cannon is best deployed against vehicles or stationary targets. Shells fired out of the cannon tend to drop over distance, so aim high when engaging distant targets—use the horizontal lines beneath the reticle to gauge proper barrel elevation. The rapid-firing machine gun is ideal for targeting infantry and other fast-moving targets. The gunner position is completely exposed, so be ready to bail out if you come under heavy fire.

REQ Cards

Warthog

The Warthog is the UNSC’s primary ground transportation vehicle, developed by AMG Transport Dynamics. The versatility of the platform has given rise to multiple variants, including the Scout Warthog, Rocket Warthog (“Rockethog”), and Gauss Warthog (“Gausshog”).

Crew: 1 Operator, 1 Passenger, 1 Gunner

Faction: UNSC

Field Notes

» They’re common and relatively cheap to deploy, so expect to see plenty of Warthogs racing across the battlefield during Warzone matches. Each Warthog is capable of carrying three Spartans: a driver, a passenger, and, where applicable, a gunner. The vehicle’s speed and maneuverability are two of its greatest strengths, but don’t overlook the effectiveness of its turret-mounted weapons. The default Warthog’s autocannon is extremely deadly, ideal for tearing down Boss shields.

» New to Halo 5: Guardians, you can now swap between the driver and gunner positions by pressing the Jump button. This comes in handy when driving a Warthog solo. Park the vehicle in an advantageous location, then swap to the turret to engage enemies. The passenger seat must still be accessed from outside the vehicle.

» The Warthog’s speed and maneuverability make it tempting to run down opponents. However, only attempt this if you can hit them by surprise. If you get too close, Spartans can rip you out of the driver’s seat and drive off in your ride.

» When riding around in the passenger seat of a Warthog, don’t forget to fire your weapons. Your accuracy will vary depending on the weapons in your loadout. If equipped with a guided weapon, like the Hydra Launcher, you can dish out some serious damage with great precision while the Warthog zooms across the battlefield.

» The Rocket and Gauss Warthogs aren’t as common as the standard and unarmed Scout variants, but they pack a serious punch. The Rockethog is equipped with twin rocket pods, capable of firing a salvo of six high-explosive rockets. Meanwhile, the Gausshogs carry a powerful Gauss turret capable of firing high-velocity projectiles with deadly precision. The weapons mounted on these vehicles are extremely valuable, so do your best to keep them out of the fray. Consider holding back near your Base and engaging opponents and Bosses from long range.

REQ Cards

Warthog

Scout Warthog

REQ Cards

Rocket Warthog

Gauss Warthog

Wraith

The Covenant Wraith is an armored mortar tank, created to besiege enemy positions with an unrelenting firepower.

Crew: 1 Operator, 1 Gunner

Faction: Covenant

Field Notes

» Although significantly larger, the Wraith operates similar to the Ghost. Its ability to hover above the battlefield and move laterally makes it much more maneuverable than the UNSC Scorpion, giving the Wraith an edge during tank duels. Circle-strafe around your opponent while lobbing mortar rounds. When you press the Thrust button the Wraith benefits from a sudden burst of speed, which is helpful for evading incoming fire. The Wraith is very durable, but pay close attention if it begins venting purple clouds of plasma—this indicates the vehicle is heavily damaged. Either jump out or stay with the vehicle until the end in an effort to score more kills.

» The Wraith’s mortar fires massive bolts of plasma energy in an arc-like trajectory. Upon impact, the bolt explodes, dealing massive damage over a wide area. At close range, aim directly at your target and fire—the drop of the plasma bolt is negligible at this range. But when engaging targets beyond a few meters, aim a little high to compensate for the plasma bolt’s drop. Use the horizontal lines beneath the reticle to gauge the proper elevation for the mortar. It may take a few shots before you zero in on the target. Try hitting distant Bosses with the mortar—if you attack from long range, the Boss (and his minions) are incapable of retaliating.

» Like the Scorpion’s machine gun turret, the Wraith’s plasma turret is located on the front of the vehicle. While this weapon is great for taking out infantry and damaging vehicles, the gunner is exposed. So always be ready to jump out if you come under fire—snipers are always looking for easy kills in these turrets.

REQ Cards