Editing Energy sword

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{{Weapon
| image=[[Image:Energy Sword Halo3.jpg|Energy Sword|300px]]
| name=Type-1 Energy Weapon/Sword
| manufacturer=[[Sangheili]] 
| model=Type-1
| type=Energy Weapon/Sword
|  cost=
| size=Handheld, Single-Handed<br />
*Energy Sword ([[Halo 1]])
**length: 126.5 centimeters (4.15 feet)
**width: 47 centimeters (1.5 feet)
**thickness: 9.1 centimeters (3.6 inches)
*Energy Sword ([[Halo 2]])
**length: 131.7 centimeters (4.321 feet)
| damage per hit=1 and 2/3 of shield, fatal if lunge, in Halo CE Lethal/Instant death
| magazine=None
| maxammo=100 Battery Units
| fire= Melee
| ammotype= Plasma
| operation= close quarters combat
| rate of fire=about 1.5 seconds per lunge, and .5 seconds per melee
| accuracy=100% if jump lunge, extremely high
| range=Melee and lunge(1-2 meters)
| era=
| counterparts= Shotgun,Sniper Rifle 
| counterwep= *Close Range: [[Energy Sword]], [[Gravity Hammer]], [[Shotgun]]
*Mid Range: [[Covenant Carbine]], [[Battle Rifle]]
*Long Range: [[Sniper Rifle]], [[Beam Rifle]]
| affiliation= [[Covenant]], later [[Covenant Separatists]]
}}
The '''Type-1 Energy Weapon''', also known as the '''Plasma Sword''' or more commonly as the '''Energy Sword''', is a close quarters [[Sangheili]] [[melee]] [[weapon]]. When used by the Sangheili, this energy weapon is more dangerous than its ceremonial nature implies. The energy sword is mainly employed by [[Zealot]] and [[Ultra Elite|Ultra]] Sangheili in [[Halo 2]], though Special Operations Elites have been known to use it for close quarter combat and there is always one Elite of lesser rank on [[Delta Halo (Level)|Delta Halo]]. It is one of the main weapons in use by the [[Arbiter (Character)|Arbiter]], whose race aided in the creation of the weapons.

==Technical Specifications==
The '''Energy Sword''''s [[plasma]] is shaped and held into a blade-like form by a small magnetic-field generator built into the handle of the weapon. The reason the blade has two points is caused by the magnetic properties of the weapon, two poles needing two points. The higher ranking Elite warriors use this as their main melee weapon and is their weapon of choice. The hot energy of the blade can cut through most armor and can cut an opponent in half with one swipe. This same technology is utilized in all [[Covenant]] plasma weapons. In [[Halo: Combat Evolved]], if the [[Elite]] wielding the sword drops it, a fail-safe activates, deactivating the magnetic field without first dispensing the plasma, consuming the handle and thus destroying the weapon. In [[Halo 2]], a similar fail-safe is active when not wielding the weapon directly. The handle, must be under pressure from the handler to be activated so that the weapon can be stored safely. This weapon, when used properly and skillfully, is one of the deadliest in the game.

Varying amounts of Energy, are used up when killing various foes (e.g. [[Flood]] [[Flood Combat Form|Combat Form]]: 2.5 battery units e.g [[Flood infection form]] 0 battery units e.g. Elite 10-11 battery units). Normal swipes that merely strike a foe do not drain the Sword's battery as you must kill the foe to consume power. Therefore it may be prudent to strike a foe until it nears death and then use another weapon that has ammunition that can be found more frequently in the level. Around 10 percent of the sword's energy is consumed by killing a normal opponent in [[Halo 2]] campaign but only 3 percent of the sword's energy is consumed when killing Flood (Combat Form). Killing [[Infection Form]]s does not use any battery energy but it is highly ineffective anyway, and so should be avoided whenever possible.
[[Image:Sword hilt.jpg|thumb|left|An inactive Sword's hilt.]]
In Halo 2 [[Multiplayer]] there is no limit on the amount of energy the Energy Sword can use before running out. However, it is not in every map, and even so, the maps that do have a sword only have one. In [[Halo 3]] there is a limit on the amount of energy, only allowing the wielder to eliminate 10 players, before the '''Energy Sword''' runs out of energy and can not be used. After the Energy Sword runs out of energy however you can still use it to attack your enemies. The damage however, is then equal to a regular melee attack and will take a longer time to kill, unless you assassinate your enemy.

==Cultural Significance==

The '''Energy Sword''' holds a [[Aristocrat|high significance]] in Sangheili culture. Only [[Spec Ops Elite|Spec-Ops Elites]], [[Stealth Elites|Stealth Elites]] and higher ranks are normally permitted to wield an ''Energy Sword''. However, both Minor and Major Elites were seen using this weapon in the Halo 2 levels [[Delta Halo (Level)|Delta Halo]] and [[Regret (Level)|Regret]] Also, in the Halo 3 level [[Floodgate]], the first [[Elite Major]] that you come across also has one with him. In ''Halo 3'', all Elites, including [[Minor Elites|Minors]] can pull out Energy Swords and use them when stuck with a [[Plasma Grenade]] or a [[Spike grenade]]. This technique is used by many players to gain Energy Swords. The distribution to lower ranks could be a side effect of the [[Great Schism]] and the subsequent discarding of religious protocols.  Though it is commonly used for ceremonial purposes, it is often used in a battle as well. Sangheili culture even allows an Elite with great sword skills to mate with any female he chooses, but they may not marry. This is to ensure that 'Swordsman' genes are passed to the next generation.

Only the most skilled warriors of the Sangheili are normally permitted to use the weapon and it is implied that they spend years building their skills in order to become combatants in the lethal art of sword fighting. Nonetheless, despite the cultural taboo against it, any Elite can wield an energy sword with competent skill, becoming a deadly foe.

==Variations==
[[Image:Energy-sword.jpg|right|thumb|left|200px|The '''Energy Sword''' as it appears in Halo 2.]]  
In [[Halo: Combat Evolved]] the Energy Sword, it was sometimes known as a "Plasma Sword" then, has a cyan glow, has a far less defined edge and makes a dull clunk when striking something or someone. It is only used by [[Stealth Elites]] and [[Zealots]]. The player cannot use the energy sword in [[Halo: Combat Evolved]], because once a [[Zealot]] is defeated, the energy sword will activate a fail-safe and disintegrate via the plasma of the former blade collapsing onto the handle, thus rendering the weapon useless. In [[Halo: Combat Evolved]], if you use a mod to stop it from disintegrating and another mod to allow the [[Master Chief]] to pick it up, you can pick the sword up, but you can't use it because there's no First Person animations and models for using the sword, only Third Person ones (you seeing the Elite). However, when picked up, face a wall and you can see a light blue glow reflecting on the wall. This proves that you actually have the Energy Sword. You have to give it a first person model (i.e. a Plasma Rifle) in order to use it. In [[Halo Custom Edition]], many people have made their own Energy Swords or bump(a code that you use to swap characters through mere physical contact) possessed [[Zealots]] holding energy swords to use them, but the custom swords do not usually work right when replicating Halo 2/3 swords, as lunging doesn't work right and won't sync online, the sword has to either lose battery every time you swing it or never lose battery, and deflecting an enemy sword attack isn't possible.

In [[Halo 2]] the energy sword is blue with purple undertones and electrical energy crackling on it when the blade is activated. As in the previous game, it is only used by higher-ranking [[Elites]], such as [[Special Operations Elites|Spec-ops]], [[Ultra Elites|Ultras]] and [[Zealots]]. It has an infinite battery in [[Multiplayer]].

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. If you look closely, Forerunner letters are on it. It also has an angle near the handle, whereas in the two previous games it was curved. The Sword has a limited battery supply in multiplayer (presumably because of its immense power), and more time is needed to unsheath it.

Interestingly, although the Halo 3 energy sword is angular near the handle, the icon on your HUD is still curved as it was in the first 2 Halo games. The reason for this is unknown.

==Tactics==
There are two ways a player in Halo 3 can attack and lunge with the '''Energy Sword'''. The first way is lunging, which occurs when the player pulls the right trigger. With this, the player lunges forward at the other player. However, this only works when the aiming reticule is lit red, indicating that the opposing player is within range.  

The second attack is the straight-up [[melee]], performed by hitting the B button (default control scheme). This performs a sort of underhand swipe (when the reticule is not red or facing an invisible opponent) or a lunge move (when the reticule is red). Though one would assume that because the energy sword's lunge and melee were the same, [[Bungie]] has indicated (via the short messages at the bottom of the screen while searching for a match in Halo 3 matchmaking), that the [[melee]] performed by hitting the B button is actually a fraction of a second quicker than those performed with the right trigger.The actual lunging properties of using the melee button though,are not as well ranged as the right trigger. This information can be exploited during clashes between two sword holders: if both players lunge at the same time, they will clash backwards; should one player use the right trigger and the other use the B button for their next attack, assuming that both are still within range and both attacks are thrown at the same time, the player who used the melee will almost invariably win and earn the "[[Bulltrue]]" medal (depending on host-client latency times). One way to stop a lunge attack is to throw any type of "sticky" grenade at the person lunging at you. This will kill them but you, most likely, still will die from the lunge, therefore the two cancel each other out with each person gaining a kill and death.

Another good tactic would be using melee causing you and the enemy to parry, directly after the parry lunge at your enemy if he is still in range. His weapon will most likely still be up from his lunge, his guard down.

Yet another good tactic is when in combat with someone in an Xbox LIVE match, use your primary weapon then when close enough to the enemy (not close enough for the enemy to melee you), take out your Energy Sword and lunge at him/her. This catches the player off-guard but makes them wary of the weapon you have, thus either making that person avoid you, or backpedal when in combat with you again.
[[Image:Sworddraw.jpg|thumb|right|An [[Elite]] activating an Energy Sword.]]

==Advantages==
The Energy Sword is one of the most powerful weapons in [[Halo 2]] and [[Halo 3]]. A single lunge can kill even a fully [[Shield|shielded]] [[Spartan-II|Spartan]] or [[Covenant]] [[Elite]] (depending on rank; in Halo 2, it takes many lunges to kill a fully shielded Ultra, even on Easy). An over-shielded enemy can take two lunges to kill. In [[Halo 2]] it is also one of the very few weapons that can destroy the bodies of dead [[Combat Forms]], preventing their revival by [[Infection Forms]] (in Halo 3, any weapon will do this). Doing this, however, will still take up energy. In Halo 2 and [[Halo 3]], a melee will dismember unshielded [[Flood]] [[Combat Forms]]. In multiplayer for Halo 3, the lunge is shorter. Normally (but not if your opponent makes an evasive move), the lunge will connect and will eviscerate your opponent. A normal swing of the sword can deplete 1 and 2/5's of the shielding. This is enough to eliminate a normal shield, and your health. The amount of damage can be increased if you jump, run, do a lunge, do a jumping lunge, do a melee, lunging melee, etc; but can be blocked by parrying with a melee when the opponent makes a lunge, causing the loss of your shields, but not actually killing you. The sword can also parry melees with appropriate timing. This is most common with other swords, but there is picture evidence of a sword parrying a hammer strike <ref>http://carnage.bungie.org/haloforum/halo.forum.pl?read=871406</ref>. The primary fire button initiates a lunge when the cross hair goes red or a swipe if it is not, and the [[melee]] button initiates a fast melee. <ref>Bungie Weekly Update: 7/20/07 </ref> Unlike the [[Gravity Hammer]] in Halo 3, it is very hard to tell that a player has the sword when it is not the primary weapon being used, making it much easier to catch an opponent off guard, thus the player wielding it is less likely to be targeted so quickly by snipers, remember to bear in mind the time now taken to unsheathe them, as this can give them the chance to get a shot in.

==Disadvantages==
The Energy Sword is purely a close-quarters weapon, meaning that it is completely useless past close range. A skilled [[Spartan]] or [[Elite]] can defeat a sword wielder with low-brow weapons like the [[M7/Caseless Sub Machine Gun|SMG]] or [[M6C Magnum]] by avoiding getting close to a player wielding a sword. It is key, much like with any other close-range only weapon for the wielder to conceal it until he is close enough to use it properly; should an enemy spot the weapon at a distance he can easily kill off the player as he backs up to keep his distance. Another disadvantage is that the Energy Sword, like most other [[Covenant Weapons]], has a battery, requiring the player to drop the weapon once the battery is used up. Although the handle can be used as a club, the Energy Sword's combat effectiveness is minimal when its energy runs out (enemies, especially [[Flood Combat Forms]], are less vulnerable to a depleted energy sword and require two attacks before dying.)  In [[Halo 2]] Energy Swords also show through [[Active Camouflage]], making it harder to be stealthy. However, in [[Campaign]], the sword seemingly cannot be seen by enemies through Active Camouflage. Perhaps if they do see it they think the player is a camouflaged Elite. In [[Halo 3]], the sword is completely invisible if you too are invisible. Also in both [[Halo 2]] and Halo 3, if you initiate a Sword Lunge, an opponent with a [[Shotgun]] can easily fire off one shot and kill you. This also works well with a [[Brute Shot]] although it is somewhat harder to pull off without taking damage or killing yourself in the process. In Halo 3, doing this earns the [[Bulltrue]] medal. You can also be [[Headshot|sniped]] at close range if the enemy is a decent enough sniper. Most of the time, the player wielding the Energy Sword  will try and run at a targeted player, and most of the time they will run straight at the player, but even if they strafe from left to right they are still vulnerable while charging at their enemy. Another disadvantage is that the Energy Sword, when activated, produces a distinctive sound that might alert enemies near you.

==Advanced Tactics==
====Dodging Sword Lunges====
[[Image:goldlunge.jpg|thumb|right|A [[Zealot]] preparing to gut an enemy in ''[[Halo:Combat Evolved]]''.]]
It is possible to dodge a blow from the Covenant [[Energy Sword]]. To do this, one must move quickly to the right (when facing the lunging opponent), towards the hand which does ''not'' hold the sword. Conversely, to prevent your target from dodging your lunge, simply jump; jumping reduces all chances of missing or being dodged by an opponent.

====Infinite Energy====
In [[Halo 2]], it is practicable  to have an infinite amount of energy for the sword in campaign. All you have to do is empty all of the energy of the sword before completing the first level of two back-to-back levels (e.g. [[Outskirts (Level)|Outskirts]]-[[Metropolis (Level)|Metropolis]]). When you cross over to the next level you'll still have your empty energy sword, but it acts like a normal one. However, this glitch will not work if you use the sword while it has no ammo before changing levels. And when you cloak you can see an outline of the sword. Its great for [[The Oracle (Level)|The Oracle]] and [[Quarantine Zone]]. Just remember to have an empty sword by the end of [[The Arbiter (Level)|The Arbiter]], [[Delta Halo (Level)|Delta Halo]], Sacred Icon, Uprising, [[The Great Journey (Level)|The Great Journey]] or [[Outskirts (Level)|Outskirts]].
[[Image:1210236177 1206320876 21890308-Full.jpg|thumb|right|An [[Elite]] and a [[Spartan]] parrying.]]

====Parrying====
In [[Halo 3]], a new feature has been added so that players can parry their opponent's sword by meleeing or lunging at the same time. If you pull the right trigger right before the other person makes contact, a sort of "lightsaber clang" is produced, but you do lose some or all of your shield, however when you get down to no shields, a sword clash will not affect you, though your screen will flash bright red. Be careful though; they can lunge back at you and kill you. This is sometimes known as "Fencing" and can be a game, first to die loses. A useful tactic to use in sword-on-sword fight is, once you parry,  to move back out of range. You can trick the opponent into swinging and then move back into lunge distance and teach them a fatal lesson. A simple "B" melee with the sword in Halo 3 will also parry the lunge of an advancing opponent.  If you time it well enough the sword fight can last indefinitely. An effective tactic if you are in the lead and get into a sword fight is to throw a [[plasma grenade]] instead of swinging, you will very likely stick them at such close range, if not, the explosive radius will probably kill one or both of you. To avoid getting killed by the explosion, you should back away from the battle after throwing the grenade. Another tactic is to throw a grenade at somebodys feet when they have the sword, and if you have the sword as well, when they will most likely jump up you can kill them as they land. The best way to win a sword fight is by using RT. 

====Jumping====
Jumping can make the [[Energy Sword]] much more fearsome and brutally effective. Jump and point your reticule down, waiting until it turns red to lunge at the opponent. This tactic makes it harder for your enemy to track you with their reticule and sword cross hair, making it more accurate. and thus you are more likely to win in a sword fight. By leaping upwards, your enemy cannot see you, and you can swiftly bring your attack down on the head giving you a "higher ground" battle mentality. Beware, [[Flood Combat Forms]] use this tactic to good effect, and do it a lot more on [[Legendary]]. This can be countered if by pointing the reticule up and lunging at the diving player ; the player on the ground who lunges up at you (in Halo 2) will most likely win the exchange.

====Surprise Attacks====
Put it away when you are crossing open ground. If an opponent sees you approaching with an Energy Sword, they will usually backpedal and shoot you down before you can come into range. Switch to another weapon and use a surprising lunge attack, although this tactic is not recommended for use in [[Halo 3]] as it takes time to fully activate the weapon, as it would with any other gun. [[Image:32839960-Full.jpg|thumb|left|208px|An activating energy sword easily lights up the night. So even in the dark only pull it out when ready.]]

====Sword Lunging vs. Melee====
If you melee with the sword instead of pressing '' RT '' you can kill the player faster. Meleeing, then lunging is very hard to block, unless done at close range where two melees would win easily. Meleeing and then lunging is much faster then lunging twice; keep that in mind when playing Rumble pit. But caution, melee range with the sword is shorter than the lunge distance.

When in a swords game, or simply when engaging in a sword vs sword fight, ignoring the lunge altogether, at shorter ranges, is another good tactic. Keep a steady thumb on the melee button, and be prepared to hit it. If they lunge, a fast player will be able to parry with the melee, and counter-attack almost instantly. This can be used to stall or even defeat veteran swordsmen.

===[[Plasma Grenade|Plasma]]/[[Spike Grenade]] Kamikaze===
If you are stuck by a plasma grenade you have a very slight chance of taking out your enemy, too. When stuck, try to lunge at your attacker so you or the grenade will take them out. This works better with a plasma grenade because of the 3-second delay. Vice versa, this is also an easy way to take out the sword-wielder, by sticking them before completing the lunge.

===Stopping a Sword Lunge===
Other than the basic shotgun, the [[Beam Rifle]] can also stop a sword lunge. The Beam Rifle is chosen for its ability to make accurate and quick shots. However, the [[Sniper Rifle]] is useful too. Just point your reticule at the head of an opponent who is lunging. Be quick enough to shoot before the lunge is completed and you have gotten an easy [[Bulltrue]] medal. Note that this is not a no-scope, as it is a headshot against a lunging opponent near you. If you want a even greater challenge, replace the snipers with a [[Battle Rifle]] and [[Covenant Carbine]] respectively.

The [[Brute Shot]] is an equally competent replacement. Just shoot the sword wielder in the body, before striking the enemy quickly with the sharp blade. However, do note that this method causes damage from splash.

Using the Mauler could also work against a sword carrier. Shoot in the body and follow it up with a quick melee.

==[[Dual Wielding]]==
[[Image:OMG_Duel_Energy_Swords!.jpg|right|thumb|200px|An [[Elite]] wielding two Energy Swords charges at a fleeing [[Marine]] in [[Halo Wars]].]][[Image:1221845548_Elites_duel_wielding_energy_swords.jpg‎|right|thumb|200px|[[Elites]] wielding two Energy Swords  during a training exercise. Note that the one on the right, [[Kusovai]], is dual-wielding it, but, if you look closely at Rtas's leg, then you will see the prongs of his second energy sword.]]
The Energy Sword is non-[[Dual Wielding|dual wieldable]] in any of the present Halo games. It is, however, physically possible to wield two swords at once in the accepted canon. The reason the Energy Sword is non dual-wieldable in game is because it kills most enemies in one hit, so dual wielding would not be necessary. To negate this, Bungie removed all possibility of dual-wielding. This hitch has been noted with dual-wielding [[shotgun]]s.
In the [[Halo Graphic Novel]], [[Rtas 'Vadum]] and [[Kusovai]] dual wield swords while in a training exercise, as well as throughout [[The Last Voyage of the Infinite Succor]]. Through which dual Energy Swords are used to fight the growing Flood infestations of the ship. Due to a render seen in the early "Et Tu, Brute" ViDoc released by [[Bungie]], it was conjectured that the Energy Sword would be a [[dual-wield]]able item in Halo 3 as shown in an animation of an [[Elite]] dual wielding them, but this has since proven to be false. In concept art of [[Halo Wars]], an Elite is seen dual wielding Energy Swords. A demo shows that this is possible in the final version of the game.

==Visibility==
In ''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]'' and ''[[Halo 2]]'', [[Active Camouflage]] doesn't cover the Energy Sword, resulting in an invisible user holding a very visible sword. In fact, it appears that there is a floating Energy Sword, with distorted air surrounding it. In Halo: Combat Evolved, Stealth Elites with swords do not seem to realize that they are visible. In fact, even when they see you, they will behave as if they were an average [[Elite]] charging. Even with the [[Halo 2 Skulls|Blind skull]] activated, the Sword's activation lighting will still appear, giving the user away. However, this results in a glitched outline and the electrical shimmering is still visible. In ''Halo 3'', the sword receives the full effect of the Active Camouflage and does not glow when being taken out while [[Cloaking]] or [[Active Camouflage|camouflage]] are active. Compared to other weapons it still takes more time to become fully cloaked.  Also in [[Halo 3]] when active camouflage is activated the sword will not make a noise, making the person stealthier. However, the sword's outline can be spotted as a distortion, similar to the user or other weapons.

==Character Compatibility==
*[[Elites]] 
*[[Spartans]] ([[Halo 2]] and [[Halo 3]])
*[[Flood]] [[Combat Form]] (Human) [[Halo 2]] and [[Halo 3]]
*[[Flood]] [[Combat Form]] (Elite) [[Halo 2]] and [[Halo 3]]

==Trivia==
[[Image:1212466253 Energy Sword.gif|thumb|right|An Energy Sword render.]]
*In Halo 3, if a player has [[Active Camo]] activated and they take out an Energy Sword, it will not make the loud 'popping' sound it normally does. This is most likely to enforce the stealthiness of the Active Camo.
*The Energy Sword is [[Rtas 'Vadum]]'s favorite weapon. He appears to take great care of his personal Energy Sword and it is the weapon that he is seen carrying at all times.
*The Energy Sword in [[Halo: Combat Evolved]] had a fail safe switch that activated when the user released it, causing the sword to dissipate in a blue explosion, leaving the player unable to use it, similar to the [[Fuel Rod Gun]].
*There is a new Achievement called [[Blades of Fury]], which is unlocked by getting a sword spree on the map [[Heretic (Level)|Heretic]].  
*In the popular machinima series [[Red vs. Blue]], the Energy Sword turns out to be a "key" that will help the gang along in their quest to save the Alien race. [[List_of_characters_in Red_vs._Blue#Private_Leonard_L._Church|Church]] says, "Maybe it's a sword that just functions like a key in very specific situations," but [[List_of_characters_in_Red_vs._Blue#Private_Michael_J._Caboose|Caboose]] conjectures, "Maybe it's a key all the time and when you stick it in people, it unlocks their death."
*In 2008, this was to be released by Jasman Toys to go with their other laser tag weapons; the [[Plasma Pistol]] and [[Plasma Rifle]]. However, its release has been canceled or delayed, due to the very pointy tips of the blade.
*It was originally going to be usable in Halo: Combat Evolved, but was cut when the game became a First-Person Shooter. <ref>''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]'', ''[[E3|E3 2000 Announcement Trailer]]''</ref>
*The Energy Sword is powerful enough to take away a person's extra shield strength when they have an [[Overshield]] activated (only on multiplayer).
*In the downloadable Vidoc "Et Tu, Brute?" you can see a [[Brute Chieftain]] from Halo 3 wielding an Energy Sword but was taken out of the game, possibly because it is too much of an Elite weapon, as Brutes hardly use Plasma Weapons.
*It wasn't until the Fourth [[Age of Discovery]] that the Elites started using Energy Swords.
*The sword contains a [[Marathon]] logo on the visible hilt.
*In the Vidoc "Et Tu, Brute?" prior to the release of Halo 3, an animation of an [[Elite]] was shown dual-wielding swords.
*[[Major Elite|Major]] and [[Minor Elites]] are not supposed to use this weapon at any time, but surprisingly enough, you can see them wielding it in various [[Halo 2]] [[levels]].
*In the [[Halo 3 Beta]], the sword could be accessed through custom games glitch. The sword featured an extra lunge animation, raising it upwards instead of going across the screen to the left.
*If you see that the [[Arbiter (Character)|Arbiter]] has an Energy Sword by his waist, that's when you should 'strike'.  It is usually not glowing at all by its hilt.  If you can either force the [[Arbiter (Character)|Arbiter]] into a battle that he cannot win without using his sword, or shoot at him until he draws his sword, when he keeps his sword, it will then glow blue around its hilt.  This means it has 100 ammo, if not, it may hold only 3 ammo.  Kill him and take your prize. Alternatively, if you want the sword and you don't feel like having a full confrontation with the [[Arbiter (Character)|Arbiter]] he will sometimes equip the sword when 'overwhelmed' e.g vs Flood, and when he equips his sword that's when you strike.
*In online multiplayer [[Lone Wolves]], if you get a Triple Kill with the sword, you will be awarded the [[Steppin' Razor]] achievement.
*The Plasma Sword was featured in [[E3]] footage for [[Halo: Combat Evolved]]. The sword was seen wielded by [[Master Chief]], but was later dropped.
*Contrary to popular belief, the sword can kill a [[Hunter]] in [[Halo 3]]. You must lunge directly at the exposed back area of the Hunter to kill it. It also helps to take off some of the back plating to expose more of the back. Two lunges are enough to kill even on Legendary. The best way to actually get a sword for a Hunter is sticking an Elite ally.
*Fable 2: Limited Edition comes with an Energy Sword for in game use, to coincide with the use of the MJOLNIR armor and Master Chief title.<ref>http://www.co-optimus.com/images/upload/image/halo-fable-2.jpg|20px</ref><ref>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/16/fable-2s-spartan-armor-and-energy-sword-pictured/</ref>
*In the [[Halo: Graphic Novel]], [[Rtas 'Vadum]] is seen with two Energy Swords that are shorter and thinner than the regular type. Two possible reasons would be that it may be a different energy weapon, or it could just be the artistic style of the drawing.
*In [[Halo 2]] and [[Halo 3]], you can make a [[Silhouette Sword]].
*In combat with a [[Gravity Hammer]], the sword usually succeeds due to the fact that the sword's attack has a quicker swing time than the Hammer's.
*In [[Halo 2]], sometimes if you take an Energy Sword with no energy left into the next level you get a sword with an invisible blade and no energy. This only works on [[Outskirts (Level)|Outskirts]], [[The Arbiter (Level)|The Arbiter]], [[Delta Halo (Level)|Delta Halo]], and sometimes [[Sacred Icon (Level)|Sacred Icon]].
*In Halo 2 and Halo 3, when the Energy Sword runs out of energy, you're left with an inactive hilt. This can be used as a very rapid Melee attack which can be used to beat down opposition in a few hits. In Halo 3, you can get a [[Sword Spree]] with an empty sword.
*In Halo 2, while playing as the Arbiter, you can still see your sword if it happens to be out of energy and you go invisible.
*Via modding, energy swords appear as usable weapons in Halo:CE. They have unlimited ammo and two attacks, a one hit kill melee and a "push" attack, used to cause enemies to slide away by hitting the primary fire button.
*In a Halo 3 podcast, it shows a marine being slaughtered by a [[Jiralhanae]] wielding an Energy Sword, although this did not make it into the final game, most probably because [[Bungie]] didn't want the [[Jiralhanae]] to seem too much like the [[Sangheili]].
*In Halo 2 multiplayer all swords were either on the ground or floating in mid-air; but in Halo 3 multiplayer, they were always on weapon holders.

==References==
<references/>
{{Template:Covenant Weapons}}
[[Category:The Covenant]]
[[Category:Held Weapons]]
[[Category:Covenant Weapons]]