A coalition of alien races, the Covenant boasts a powerful military of diverse warriors that excel in the art of combat. Each distant race plays a vital role in the Covenant army.
Grunt
Grunts form the frontline of many battles, often making up the bulk of the Covenant’s ground forces. Though weak and easily frightened, Grunts gain strength and confidence in numbers. They’re further bolstered by the presence of Elites on the field, who serve as the Grunts’ squad leaders—but Grunts will often run in terror if their Elite commander falls. Either that, or they’ll whip out two Plasma Grenades and charge at you in a suicidal rush! Grunts are easy targets, and it’s usually best to pick them off first. Take your time and aim for the head.
» Grunts are small and easily defeated by small-arms fire.
» Eliminate them in short order with headshots from a Magnum, Battle Rifle, DMR, or Carbine.
» Beware of suicide Grunts that rush you with lit Plasma Grenades—Grunts sometimes enter this state after their Elite leaders fall.
» On higher difficulties, Grunts are more apt to toss Plasma Grenades at you and are also more likely to fire shield-shattering charged blasts from their Plasma Pistols. Don’t allow them to spread out and surround you.
» Grunt Heavies often wield Fuel Rod Cannons, making them extremely dangerous. Prioritize them whenever you hear the sound of Fuel Rod Cannon fire.
Elite
Elites are large, battle-hardened leaders who fearlessly command troops of Grunts and Jackals on the field. They are the only Covenant ground troops that feature regenerative shields for protection, similar to those of a Spartan. Use energy weapons, such as the Plasma Pistol or Storm Rifle, to quickly strip an Elite’s shields. The shields will regenerate before long, so immediately switch to a conventional weapon, such as a Battle Rifle or Magnum, and finish off the exposed Elite with a headshot.
» Use energy weapons, such as Plasma Pistols and Storm Rifles, to quickly break their regenerative shields.
» After popping an Elite’s shields with an energy weapon, switch to a headshot-capable weapon, such as a Magnum, and go for the kill.
» On higher difficulty levels, Elites are more apt to take cover to recharge their shields, making them tough to defeat. Use flanking maneuvers and charged Plasma Pistol shots to get the job done.
» High-ranking Elites are agile, elusive, and often armed with powerful weapons like Plasma Casters or Fuel Rod Cannons. Treat these Elites with the utmost respect, marking them as priority targets and hammering them with heavy fire from afar. Beware that they hurl Plasma Grenades like fastballs; always be ready to thrust away.
» Watch out for surprise attacks from camouflaged Elite Zealots wielding Energy Swords!
Hunter
The big boys of the Covenant army, Hunters are hulking, heavily armored warriors equipped with state-of-the-art weaponry. As their name implies, Hunters ceaselessly stalk their prey, unloading their Fuel Rods to annihilate threats from afar. Battling Hunters up close is ill advised, for the swiftness of their crushing blows defies their size. Instead, use stealth and teamwork to flank Hunters and assail their vulnerable backsides.
» Hunters are heavily armored warriors equipped with lethal weaponry. Armor and defenses are concentrated in the front.
» A Hunter's armor is weakest in the back. Flank the monster and destroy its back plate, then unload on its exposed flesh.
» Often swats away grenades thrown directly at it. For best results, try to bounce grenades alongside it or behind it.
» Hunters are always deployed in pairs. When one Hunter dies, the other enters a berserk state, becoming faster and more aggressive.
» Scoring a direct hit with a Spartan Charge or Ground Pound will momentarily stagger a Hunter, helping you flank them or flee.
Jackal
If Grunts form the bulk of Covenant’s ground troops, Jackals form the backbone. These stalwart sharpshooters never flee from a fight and often carry shields that protect them from most frontal attacks. Their shields can take quite a pounding, so try to flank Jackals, or toss grenades to break their defensive stance. You can also shoot Jackals through the small hole in their shields’ outer edge to stagger them and expose them to further attacks.
» Jackals are fearless and aggressive ground troops equipped with boosters that let them bound up to high vantages.
» Some Jackals carry shields, but none of them wear regenerative shields. They’re as vulnerable to headshots as Grunts, so aim for the head.
» Energy weapons will disable their shields, but it’s usually faster to toss a grenade or fire around their shields, aiming at their exposed bits. Charged Plasma Pistol shots are also ideal for breaking a shield Jackal’s defensive posture.
» Prioritize Jackal sharpshooters armed with Carbines and Beam Rifles, or they’ll pick you apart. Look for the red lights on the heads of Jackal Snipers, and shoot them!