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{{Status|Canon}}
{{Era|Covenant|Human|UNSC|HCW|Post}}
{{Center|''Are you looking for the Halo 4 [[Type-3 active camouflage|version]]? For other uses, see [[Camouflage (disambiguation)]].''}}
<center>''Are you looking for the Halo 4 [[Type-3 active camouflage|version]]? For other uses, see [[Camouflage (disambiguation)]].''</center>


[[File:HCE Camo Sniper.jpg|thumb|250px|A [[Spartan-II|Spartan]] using active camouflage.]]
[[File:Hidden Dragon.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>'''[[Halo 4: Forward Unto Dawn]]''', ''Part 4''</ref>}}
{{Quote|One of those [[Sangheili|things]] is inside, and it is ''invisible!''|Cadet [[Thomas Lasky]]<ref>'''[[Halo 4: Forward Unto Dawn]]''', ''Part 4''</ref>}}
'''Active camouflage''' (often shortened to '''active camo''') is a form of technological [[camouflage]] designed to conceal an object from visual detection by rapidly adapting to its surroundings. 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 most prominently applied to Covenant-developed cloaking equipment.
'''Active camouflage''' (often shortened to '''active camo''' or '''av-cam''') is a form of technological [[camouflage]] designed to conceal an object from visual detection by rapidly adapting to its surroundings. 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 most prominently applied to Covenant-developed cloaking equipment.


Technically, active camouflage is not quite invisibility, though it is very similar. Rather, the term encompasses a broad range of technologies that allows a wearer or object to blend in with its terrain by mimicking the environment around it. 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>
Technically, active camouflage is not quite invisibility, though it is very similar. Rather, the term encompasses a broad range of technologies that allows a wearer or object to blend in with its terrain by mimicking the environment around it. 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>
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==Covenant active camouflage==
==Covenant active camouflage==
{{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>}}
{{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>}}
[[File:HCE Stealth Elite in AC.png|thumb|200px|A camouflaged [[Stealth Sangheili]] aboard ''[[Cairo Station (station)|Cairo Station]]''.]]
[[File:HCE Stealth Elite in AC.png|thumb|200px|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 [[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.
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.


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]].  
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 {{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}}
Aircraft or ships can also be equipped with active camouflage systems, including the [[Type-52 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> 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.<ref name="ReferenceA"/>


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.
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.
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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.
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.<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.
Talc 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]] [[Will-043]] and [[Kelly-087]] employed talc powder in order to overload the camouflage on [[Reach]] in order to find them.<ref name="firststrike"/> Atriox was able to detect the use of active camouflage through smell.<ref name="HP"/>


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>
==UNSC active camouflage==
 
[[File:ONIPRO 01.png|thumb|250px|''[[ONI PRO-49776]]'' disengaging its advanced cloaking field, an outlier in UNSC camouflaging technology during the [[Covenant War]].]]
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>
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 name="goo"/>


==UNSC active camouflage==
[[File:ONIPRO 01.png|thumb|250px|''[[ONI PRO-49776]]'' disengaging its advanced cloaking field, an outlier in UNSC camouflaging technology during the [[Human-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 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}}
[[File:Headhunters Roland camo.jpg|thumb|250px|[[Roland-B210]] with his camouflage activated.]]
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>
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>


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>
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>


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>
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 name="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]]''</ref>


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>
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>
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==Changes throughout ''Halo''==
==Changes throughout ''Halo''==
{{Cleanup|Section}}
{{Cleanup|Section}}
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]].
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]].


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.
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.


===''Halo 2''===
===''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.
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 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.<ref>'''[[Halo 2]]'''</ref>
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>
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===''Halo 3''===
===''Halo 3''===
{{Main|Cloaking}}
{{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.  
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 Permutations (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.
By default, the pick-up lasts 30 seconds and doesn't dissipate with movement, unlike in Reach.


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Shrouds are able to cloak themselves and other units. [[Let 'Volir]] is able to cloak units with leader abilities.
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. {{Ref/YouTube|Id=mpoverview|n-O7OuliQRY|HALO|Halo Infinite <nowiki>|</nowiki> Multiplayer Overview|D=4|M=7|Y=2021}}
==Non-canon and dubious canon appearances==
===Silver Timeline===
{{Main|Silver Timeline}}
Active camouflage is used by Covenant Sangheili.{{Ref/Film|[[Halo: The Television Series Season One]], [[Contact]]}}
==Trivia==
==Trivia==
*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.
*Changing the graphics card settings on [[Halo PC]] (lowering the quality and effects) makes active camouflage users appear as an easily-seen gray, opaque silhouette.
*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.
*Oddly enough, a group of Major and Minor Grunts in the ''Halo 2'' level [[Delta Halo (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.
*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.
*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.
*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 [[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.
*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.
*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 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.
*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.
*The lights on a [[Type-2 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.
*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.
*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.


==Gallery==
==Gallery==
<gallery>
<gallery>
File:HaloCE-ActiveCamouflage.jpg|A Stealth Elite using active camouflage in ''Halo: Combat Evolved''.
File:HaloCE-ActiveCamouflage.jpg|A Stealth Elite using active camouflage in ''Halo: Combat Evolved''.
File:HCE_Campaign_ActiveCamo_Pickup.jpg|Active Camo in ''Halo: Combat Evolved'' campaign.
File:Active Camoflage.jpg|Active Camo in ''Halo: Combat Evolved'' campaign.
File:HCE_MP_ActiveCamo_Pickup.png|Active Camo in ''Halo: Combat Evolved'' multiplayer.
File:AC.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:H2 Active Camouflage.png|The Active Camouflage in ''Halo 2''.
File:H3_ActiveCamo.jpg|The Active Camouflage in ''Halo 3''.
File:ActiveCamo.jpg|The Active Camouflage in ''Halo 3''.
File:H3_Bungie_Camo.jpg|Bungie Armor and Active Camouflage in ''Halo 3''.
File:AC flame head.jpg|Bungie Armor and Active Camouflage in ''Halo 3''.
File:HReach Active Camouflage.jpg|The Active Camouflage powerup in ''Halo: Reach''.
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 AvCam.jpg|Active Camouflage in use in ''[[Halo 4]]''.
File:H4 ActiveCamo_Spartan.jpg|Active Camouflage in use in ''[[Halo 4]]''.
File:H4SO ActiveCamo Module Concept.jpg|''[[Spartan Ops]]'' concept art for an active camouflage module.
File:H2A-ActiveCamo.png|Active camouflage in ''[[Halo 2: Anniversary]]'' multiplayer.
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:H2A-CloakedSpartan.png|A Spartan using active camouflage in ''Halo 2: Anniversary'' multiplayer.
Line 125: Line 110:
File:Activecamo2.png|REQ Card for Active Camouflage II.
File:Activecamo2.png|REQ Card for Active Camouflage II.
File:Activecamo3.png|REQ Card for Active Camouflage III.
File:Activecamo3.png|REQ Card for Active Camouflage III.
File:H5G-Camo.png|A Spartan-IV using active camouflage in ''Halo 5: Guardians''.
File:H5G-Camo.png|A Spartan 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>
</gallery>


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*''[[Halo 3: ODST]]''
*''[[Halo 3: ODST]]''
*''[[Halo Legends]]''
*''[[Halo Legends]]''
**''[[The Package (animated short)|The Package]]''
**''[[The Package]]''
*''[[Halo Evolutions - Essential Tales of the Halo Universe]]''
*''[[Halo Evolutions - Essential Tales of the Halo Universe]]''
**''[[Headhunters (short story)|Headhunters]]''
**''[[Headhunters (short story)|Headhunters]]''
Line 157: Line 135:
*''[[Halo: Spartan Assault]]''
*''[[Halo: Spartan Assault]]''
*''[[Halo 2: Anniversary]]''
*''[[Halo 2: Anniversary]]''
**''[[Terminal (Halo 2: Anniversary)|Terminals]]''
**''[[Terminal/Halo 2: Anniversary|Terminals]]''
*''[[Halo: New Blood]]'' {{Mo}}
*''[[Halo: New Blood]]'' {{Mo}}
*''[[Halo: Last Light]]''
*''[[Halo: Last Light]]''
Line 170: Line 148:
*''[[Halo: Collateral Damage]]''
*''[[Halo: Collateral Damage]]''
*''[[Halo: Official Spartan Field Manual]]'' {{Mo}}
*''[[Halo: Official Spartan Field Manual]]'' {{Mo}}
*''[[Halo: Shadows of Reach]]''
*''[[Halo: Divine Wind]]''
*''[[Halo Infinite]]''
*''[[Halo: The Television Series Season One]]''
**''[[Contact]]''
*''[[Halo: The Rubicon Protocol]]''
*''[[Halo: Outcasts]]''
*''[[Halo: The Television Series Season Two]]''
**''[[Sanctuary (TV Series)|Sanctuary]]''


==Sources==
==Sources==
{{Ref/Sources}}
<references/>


{{Navbox/Pickups/Gameplay}}
==Related pages==
*[[Overshield]]
*[[Permanent Invisibility]]
*[[Custom Powerup]]
{{Armor abilities}}


[[Category:Camouflage]]
[[Category:Camouflage]]
[[Category:Armor abilities]]
[[Category:Armor abilities]]
[[Category:Power ups]]

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