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{{Status|Canon}}
{{era|HW|H1|H2|H3|TF|HGN}}
{{Disambig header|the general term|the specific Flood form commonly referred to as a combat form|Flood attacker form}}
{{ratings}}
{{Flood infobox
{{Flood Species Infobox
|name=Combat form
|name=Combat Form
|image=[[File:H Evol - Mona Lisa Flood Combat Forms.png|350px]]<br>Several variations of combat form
|image=[[Image:1195430022 100.jpg|400px]]
|height=Varies depending on type and host species.{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22P408}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22P409}}
|height=*[[Human]] - Varies
|distinctions=
*[[Sangheili]] - Varies
|attacks=Lunging at enemies with claws and whip-like tendrils, biting, and/or firing infectious barbs.{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22P408}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22P409}}
*[[Jiralhanae]] - Varies
|notable=
|distinctions=The host body with greenish-Grey decaying skin (more so in ''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]'') They are armed with tentacles and the weapon that their host was carrying at the time (if any).  The head is pushed aside (for Brutes the jaws are pushed apart) to make room for the [[Infection Form]] (most noticeable on Human Combat Forms).
*[[Flood attacker form|Attacker form]]
|species=*[[Human]]
*[[Flood thrasher form|Thrasher form]]
*[[Sangheili]] (Elite)
*[[Flood swarm|Swarm form]]
*[[Jiralhanae]] (Brute)
|notable-title=Notable types
|attacks=Lunging at a victim, whipping with tentacles, using held weapon
|notable=*[[Kusovai]]
*[[Wallace A. Jenkins]]
*[[Manuel Mendoza]]
}}
}}


The '''Flood combat form''' is the primary form used by the [[Flood]] to overwhelm and decimate surviving populations, and one of the most common forms found in [[Feral Stage|early stages]] of a Flood outbreak. Combat forms can be created using either sapient or non-sapient hosts infected via means of the [[Flood Super Cell]], typically by a [[pod infector]]. They serve as the Flood's primary combatants, defending the Flood against attack and securing additional hosts for infection. The most common variation of combat form is the [[Flood attacker form|attacker form]].{{Ref/Book|Id=Enc22P408|Enc22|Page=408}}
A '''Flood Combat Form'''<ref>''[[Halo: The Flood]]'', page 225: "The first of these '''combat forms''' he'd seen had once been Elites."</ref> is a vertebrate suitable for combat that has been infected by the [[Flood]] parasite via an [[Infection Form]]. The victim is mutated into a combat unit that fights for Flood goals and objectives. They coordinate attacks on certain enemies by a [[Gravemind]], if there is one.


==Pathology==
==Pathology==
===Infection and creation===
Combat forms are typically created when a [[pod infector]] is successfully able to enter a host's body, though this is not the only vector by which hosts can be infected.{{Ref/Site|Id=Universe|D=01|M=6|Y=2020|URL=https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/universe/species/flood|Site=Halo Waypoint|Page=Flood}} Flood outbreaks can often be caused by [[Flood spore|spores]] or other microbiological vectors entering the host body,{{Ref/Reuse|Universe}} or by contact with other forms that include Flood [[Seeder infector|Seeder]]s or [[Flood infester form|Infester]]s.{{Ref/Game|Id=ATN|HW2|Detail=[[Halo Wars 2: Awakening the Nightmare|Awakening the Nightmare]]}} In more advanced stages of infection, the need for specific [[infection form]]s is decreased as the Flood-infected area converts to a [[Blightlands|Blightland]] or [[Flood hive]]. By this point, the Flood presence makes up the majority of the terrain in the area, making contact with the Flood Super Cell and the naturally-generated spores an inevitability. Some Flood structures such as the "[[Flood launcher|launcher]]" specialize in firing clouds of spores at uninfected forces, causing them to succumb to the infection without any kind of infection form involved.{{Ref/Game|HW|Flood Launcher in-game unit}}


As Flood forms, including the combat form, naturally produce the Flood Super Cell (FSC), even being in contact with one can result in infection for an unprotected potential host. Given the combat forms' preference for melee combat, this makes even non-fatal strikes a death sentence, though such infections may progress slowly.{{Ref/Anthology|Id=MonaLisa|Evo|[[The Mona Lisa]]}} However, infection by spore inhalation or infection form is extremely quick, with a host succumbing often in as little as a few seconds.
A Combat Form is not a natural organism, but rather a mutated host infected by parasitic [[Flood Super Cell]]s implanted by an [[Infection Form]]. Successful creation of a Combat Form requires a host with sufficient biomass and calcium store. After mutation begins, the infection form attaches with a protruding neural connection that allows it to command the host's nervous system, thus rendering command of the legs or arms useless. During the infection process, the host's internal organs are liquefied and the nutrients from them are used to develop the tentacles and other appendages.


When conventionally infected by a pod infector, the infector latches onto the host and dig into the host's flesh with a razor-sharp barb-like appendage, injecting the FSC and proceeding to burrow themselves within the host. Typically, the pod infector makes its home within the chest cavity of the host life form, though depending on circumstance this is not always the case. Depending on the host in question, the pod infector will dislodge the host's bones and organs to make room for itself, resulting in extreme disfiguration such as dislocating the host's jaw{{Ref/Game|Id=H2AMP|H2A|[[Infection]] game mode}} or, in the case of infected [[Sangheili]], completely snapping the neck. This process can be performed on living or recently-deceased hosts, though often results in the "death" of a living host prior to their re-animation once the FSC takes hold.{{Ref/Reuse|Universe}} Some hosts may be attacked and infected by multiple pod infectors.{{Ref/Reuse|Flood10}} Even if the infection form is removed, the injection of FSC into the generated wounds results in those wounds becoming spore-filled blisters, and the host cannot be saved from infection.{{Ref/Game|Id=PLInfectionForm|HW2|Phoenix Logs|Detail=Infection Forms}}
The host stays alive during the transformation process and can even be conscious and aware after the final transformation. This process is presumably very painful and terrifying. Once fully transformed, the [[Infection Form]] has total control over the host's body and changes the physical appearance of the host to better suit its own needs. (Although an infected host will be roughly the same size as it was before.) On rare occasions, this effect may be weakened by time in stasis, allowing the host to regain some control,as in the case of [[Private First Class]] [[Wallace Jenkins]] <ref>''[[Halo: The Flood]]''</ref>. Combat Forms retain the host's previous skills and so can wield weapons(not dual wield), drive [[vehicles]] and [[boarding|board]] enemy [[vehicles]]. However, [[Infection Forms]] do not require their hosts to still be alive for infection. Even dead hosts are suitable for conversion into a Combat Form, [[reanimation|reanimating]] again after being infected. Though the brain tissue remains dead, the victim's biomass and calcium reserves are sufficient to warrant infection.
In the initial stage of a Flood outbreak, the [[Feral Stage]], Combat Forms communicate using pheromones and have one instinctual behavior: to secure new hosts to strengthen the local [[Proto-Gravemind|controlling intelligence]]. Once a sufficient store of biomass is available for the Flood to enter the [[Coordinated Stage]] and begin forming [[Pure Form]] Flood, the Combat Forms are used either as defensive units or calcium/biomass reserves.  According to the [[Master Chief]], it looked like an [[Elite]], except it appeared that someone had "killed him, buried the body, and dug it up two weeks later" <ref>''[[Halo: The Flood]]'', page 220</ref>. Flood infection is a rapid and efficient biological process, which can take under a minute in extreme cases. An interesting side effect of the deadly [[Human]] disease [[Boren's Syndrome]], which [[Sergeant Avery Johnson]] suffered from, is total immunity to Flood Super Cells. The [[Flood]] can recognize if a potential host is immune, and will focus on that organism above other threats in the area. A group of Flood will occasionally go after [[Sentinels]] if they are perceived the greatest threat in the area, although Sentinels are unable to be infected by the Flood. Curiously in ''Halo 2'', if there is a single Flood left that matches the species of the player(i.e. Human Flood if playing as Master Chief.) The Flood will not attack the player, but simple stand idle. Implying that the memories the Flood has absorbed seems to have a degree of influence over their actions. However, if other Flood arrive it will resume attacking.


Once infected, the super cell begins to consume and convert sections of the host body, creating growths and new appendages of new super cell. As this process occurs, bodies take on the appearance and smell of decay.{{Ref/Novel|Id=Flood10|TF|Chapter=10}} With sapient hosts, some limbs and sensory organs are preserved in the transformation, and are used to operate tools, equipment, weapons, vehicles, and even ships.{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22P408}} Infection forms will often augment a host's body to better serve as a living weapon, and damage taken during fighting and infection can be repaired by the controlling infection form, though the combat form is ultimately disposable.{{Ref/Game|Id=PLCombatForm|HW2|Phoenix Logs|Detail=Combat Forms}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22P408}} Any damage that the combat form receives ultimately creates more vectors of infection as the chunks of infected flesh it leaves behind are scattered throughout the environment.{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22P408}} The Flood Super Cell is able to arrange itself to mimic any organ needed to keep the host working,{{Ref/Game|Id=Bestiarum|H3|[[Bestiarum]]}} while other internal organs are replaced with accretions that function as support lattices containing a sickly green liquid full of spores in suspension. Spore-filled polyps also often cover the exterior of combat forms.{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22P408}} Even once the FSC has taken control of the victim, the controlling infection form can often be seen buried within the victim, with the infection form's red sensory appendages poking out of the flesh. Until the body is completely subsumed by super cell growth, these appendages are maintained as an impromptu central nervous system.{{Ref/Reuse|Universe}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22P408}} Some combat form super cell growths take on a more chitinous nature, akin to armor plating, helping protect the combat form from enemy attacks.{{Ref/Game|Id=H4|H4|[[Flood (gametype)|Flood]] gametype}}
==Types of Combat Forms==
A specific creature is needed for the infection and creation of a Combat Form. Of the various [[Covenant]] races, only a few species meet the necessary requirements. Species known to be immune to conversion include the [[Mgalekgolo|Hunter]], whose complete lack of skeletal calcium (i.e. bones), colonial physiology and insignificant biomass per individual worm make infection and neural synchronization impossible for Infection Forms, the [[Yanme'e|Drones]] have an exoskeleton therefore lacking bones making infection impossible and the [[Huragok|Engineer]], is artificial and therefore believed immune. Presumably, infinite possible host species exist. However, only five are seen in gameplay. 


With sapient hosts, the victim may still attempt to cry out from what remains of its mouth and throat even while being controlled, though it is also possible for the infection form to do so using the host's thoughts and memories as a psychological weapon.{{Ref/Game|Id=PLInfected|HW2|Phoenix Logs|Detail=Infected}} In extremely rare circumstances, a victim may remain fully aware of their present status, unable to do much but watch as their body is controlled by an outside force.{{Ref/Reuse|PLCombatForm}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22P408}}
[[Image:Infected%20Human.jpg|right|thumb|250px|A [[Human]] Combat Form.]]


===Capabilities===
===Human Form===
The infection form controlling a host body does not feel pain or fear, though the host is able to feel the physical effect of attacks rendered upon it.{{Ref/Reuse|PLCombatForm}} In extreme cases, the infection form will resort to self-mutilation of the host body if it needs to, such as breaking its own arms to use the snapped bone as an improvised weapon. However, the pain inflicted on the host body may also weaken the controlling infection form, provided that it was old and weak prior to infecting the host.{{Ref/Reuse|Flood10}} Combat forms are reliant on their infection form for all bodily and motor functions, and shooting the infection form will "kill" the combat form, though the body can be re-reanimated if another infection form is able to reach it. As a result, a combat form can be resurrected as many times as is needed, provided the body is still intact enough to be a viable host. To properly kill a combat form, it must be dismembered or disfigured to the point at which it is no longer a suitable host body for an infection form.{{Ref/Reuse|H3Gameplay}}
The '''[[Human]] Combat Form''' is significantly smaller than other forms due to their original smaller size.
As with other Combat Forms, it is capable of sustaining massive physical damage before being unusable to the Flood controller; in fact, as long as the chest cavity and legs remain intact, it will continue to fight.
Although it cannot take as much damage as the [[Elite]] Combat Form can, it has some advantages.
It seems to be more alert and is quicker to melee an opponent. It also presents a smaller, harder target to hit, especially the [[Infection Form]], as it isn't protruding out of the body as much as those of Elite Forms. However, in ''Halo 3'', the Human form becomes an easier target to hit; the Infection Form protrudes a lot more out of the host's chest, allowing for an easy headshot, and it seems to be significantly slower.
They wield the weapons of former [[UNSC Marines]] and, if available, those of the [[Covenant]]. On a rare occasion, if the player leaves a detached turret next to a dead Combat Form, when the Combat Form gets reanimated it will wield the turret. They can be dangerous when wielding [[UNSC]] weapons like the Shotgun, which on higher difficulties can kill you in a couple of shots. In ''Halo 2'', they are also capable of driving vehicles such as [[Warthog]]s, [[Scorpion Tank]]s, [[Ghost]]s, and [[Wraith]]s. While they lose the ability to drive vehicles in ''[[Halo 3]]'', slow moving ones can still be boarded. They can wield any weapon, from  [[Battle Rifles]] to [[Brute Shot]]s. But like the Brute Combat Form, they only use their tentacle arm to attack. In ''Halo 3'', regardless of the Marine's gender, once infected, the combat form will be male. Once in a while you may also find one with a rocket launcher. These Rocket-Wielding Flood are rare in Halo 3, and only appear every so often in Halo 2, but there always seems to be one at choke points (e.g narrow corridors) in [[Halo: Combat Evolved]]. [[Infected Flamethrowers]] are annoying in many ways as they can shred through your forces in [[Halo Wars]].


When a sapient host is infected and made into an [[Flood attacker form|attacker form]], the infection form is able to absorb all of the host's knowledge and memories. As a result, attacker forms are capable of operating firearms, driving vehicles, operating tools and even starships.{{Ref/Reuse|PLCombatForm}} In the case of the ''[[Infinite Succor]]''{{'}}s [[Skirmish on Infinite Succor|infection]], infected warriors were able to set up patrols of the ship's corridors to guard the [[Proto-Gravemind]] growing in the ship.{{Ref/Comic|Id=Succor|HGN|Detail=[[The Last Voyage of the Infinite Succor]]}} The Flood's possession of an individual's body allows it to speak with the host's tongue.{{Ref/Reuse|PLCombatForm}}{{Ref/Reuse|Succor}}{{Ref/Level|H3|The Covenant (level)|The Covenant}} This memory-absorption extends critical knowledge such as command codes or colony locations. As such, when critical personnel are infected, they are contributed to the construction of a [[Gravemind]].{{Ref/Level|Id=Keyes|HCE|Keyes}}
[[Image:1213329521_250px-Eliteflood.png|frame|"Elite" form schematics.]]


Attacker combat forms use their whip or scythe-like growths to attack their opponents in melee combat, and are capable of performing feats that their hosts previously could not, such as leaping large distances to cover ground. Even if a melee strike is not fatal, the imparted Flood Super Cell is enough to ensure the target's infection and death.{{Ref/Reuse|MonaLisa}} As the infection forms do not feel pain, combat forms are undeterred by enemy attacks and will not stop until they are destroyed, or their enemy is killed. Ballistic weapons are notably less effective against some combat forms because of this, with [[SRS99C-S2 AM sniper rifle]] rounds passing through combat forms with virtually no effect.{{Ref/Game|HCE|Gameplay}} Targeted shots against the limbs and embedded infection form are effective ways of dispatching combat forms.{{Ref/Book|OSFM|Page=172-175}}
===[[Sangheili]] Form===
During infection, the [[Elite]]'s head is forced backwards, to create space for the [[Infection Form]] to reside.
This Combat Form is a formidable enemy and is capable of deadly physical attacks using whip-like tentacles. It can also wield both [[Human]] and [[Covenant]] weapons.


===Role within the Flood===
It is very fast, very strong, and can jump great distances and heights like most other Flood. Some Elite combat forms can still use their armor's [[Active Camouflage]] and [[Energy Shields]].
Combat forms make up the majority of the Flood's combatant forces, particularly in the [[Feral Stage]] of the parasite's development in which it has yet to acquire enough raw biomass for the creation of a [[Gravemind]] or [[Flood pure form|pure forms]]. During this stage, combat forms are not centrally controlled, and will begin to gather bodies for conversion into more Flood forms.{{Ref/Reuse|Keyes}} If a location cannot be immediately secured, multiple combat forms may merge to create the [[Flood Juggernaut|Juggernaut]] and [[Abomination]] keymind forms, able to direct local forces in the area until a permanent presence can be established.
Fortunately for the player, because of Elite physiology, they are bigger than the Human form and present a larger target to hit, but they will go down quicker if you aim for the parts of the torso without armor covering it.


When a local biosphere has been completely assimilated into the Flood, typically once the Flood has entered the [[Coordinated Stage]], combat forms cannot be created anymore due to a lack of viable hosts. Due to this, the Flood moves onto breaking down raw biomass into Flood Super Cell, thereby creating [[Flood pure form|pure forms]] of wholly Flood biomass. Once the number of pure forms reaches a sufficient equilibrium, combat forms are relegated to defensive roles or added to the hive's raw biomass and [[calcium]] reserves.{{Ref/Reuse|Bestiarum}} Otherwise, aging or damaged combat forms are turned into [[Flood carrier form|carrier form]]s, growing infection forms within a large, bulbous mass on their back.{{Ref/Reuse|Universe}}{{Ref/Book|Id=Enc22P409|Enc22|Page=409}}
All of the Elite combat forms encountered, have the blue armor of a [[Minor Elite]] in ''[[Halo 2]]'', regardless of the hosts actual rank and original armor color. In ''[[Halo 3]]'', they have the same color armor as the host. The normal armor color you will see on an Elite Form in ''Halo 3'' is Blue, Red, and sometimes White. They can use any vehicle in ''Halo 2'', but like the others, they can't use any in ''Halo 3'', but they still can board a slow moving one and hit a devastating blow. If equipped with a [[Gravity Hammer]] it will use its tentacles instead.


==Types of combat forms==
===[[Brute]] Form===
Virtually any creature with sufficiently complex nervous systems can be infected and made a combat form, but the most commonly-seen hosts are those of sapient species such as [[human]]s, [[Sangheili]], and [[Jiralhanae]].{{Ref/Reuse|H3Gameplay}} [[Kig-Yar]] and [[Unggoy]] can also be made into combat forms, though are seemingly more rare.{{Ref/Reuse|PLCombatForm}} Sapient hosts such as these are generally made into the most basic version of combat form, simply known as an attacker form.{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22P408}} Non-sapient animals can also be made into combat forms provided they have sufficient calcium reserves and neuro-complexity.{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22P409}}
[[Image:1213329520_250px-Bruteflood.png|frame|Brute form schematics.]]
[[Brute]] Combat Forms behave much more aggressively in combat towards an opponent. It charges at an opponent much more than normal [[Brutes]].


All victims of infection via pod infector, regardless of their physiology, will undergo a similar mutation process. The skin decays rapidly, and changes to the color and texture of Flood biomass as the Flood Super Cells overtake the body. In the case of attacker combat forms, the host's arm bones elongate and grow into whip or claw-like appendages, which serve as their primary melee weapon in close-combat situations. As the pod infector now serves as the host's "brain," the head is usually forced aside, and can be severed without any effect on the combat form.{{Ref/Game|Id=H3Gameplay|H3|Gameplay}}<ref group="notes">In ''Halo 3'', the reanimation process can be witnessed; the host will twitch around in pain, and eventually collapse on the ground. Afterwards, the whip appendages will force itself out of the host's left arm, and the pod infector will force itself out of the host's chest.</ref>
During infection, the [[Infection Form]] burrows into their skulls and forces the jaws apart to create a residual space.
The creature seems to draw on its host's brutish nature and often forgo projectile weapons in favor of close combat.
They usually wield Brute weapons such as Spikers, Maulers, Brute Shots, and even Gravity Hammers, as well as more traditional Covenant weaponry and Human armaments.


===Attacker===
However, they do not use the Gravity Hammer to great effect, they just use it to melee instead of using the primary explosive hit (though that may have been a consideration on Bungie's part, it could be possible that they will kill themselves in the shock wave the Hammer produces). They are more powerful than the [[Human]] Form, but they are slower (bulkier) and can't jump as high due to their weight. Since when a Brute's armor is damaged far enough, it falls off leaving a stripped body, when a Flood Infection Form infects them, they don't have shielding capabilities like the Elite form. A shotgun round or a few melee attacks should be able to kill one.
{{Main|Flood attacker form}}
The most common and basic combat form is the attacker. These forms are created solely from sapient hosts bent to the Flood's will. As the parasite takes over their thoughts and memories, it uses this information to allow the attacker to use weapons, equipment, and vehicles to further the Flood's reach and overall threat level. Given the intelligence of the host, occasionally the victims can manage a whisper pleading for mercy or simply cries of pain. However, the parasite will more often speak on their behalf using their stolen thoughts to terrorize both the host and any nearby survivors.{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22P408}} Potential hosts used for attackers include humans, Sangheili, Jiralhanae, Unggoy, Kig-Yar,{{Ref/Reuse|PLCombatForm}} and Forerunners.<ref>'''[[Halo: Fractures]]''', ''[[Defender of the Storm]]'', ''page 231''</ref>


<gallery>
==[[Grunt]] and [[Jackal]] Combat Forms==
File:Anniversary, FloodCombatForm.jpg|A human attacker form.
Despite not appearing in Halo: Combat Evolved, Halo 2 or Halo 3, [[Halo Wars]] introduces Grunt and Jackal Combat Forms. While no canon source ever expressedly denied it was possible for Grunts or Jackals to be converted, it was assumed for a long while that the Grunts were unsuitable combat form hosts, and that Jackals lacked sufficient calcium, having hollow bones. Their introduction is representative of the Floods malleability - ''any'' creature of any type can be used by the Flood for its purposes. It may also be possible that these forms are just Grunts and Jackals which have the [[flood spore]]s in their body, and sooner or later their calcium would be used as biomass.
File:H4-FloodCombatForm-Spartan.png|A [[Spartan-IV]] attacker form.
File:H2A-InfectedSpartan.png|A Spartan-II attacker form.
File:FCFelite.jpg|A Sangheili attacker form.
File:HW2-Unleashed.png|A Jiralhanae attacker form.
File:Kig-Yar_Combat_Form.png|A Kig-Yar attacker form.
File:HW2 - Flood Unggoy form.jpg|An Unggoy attacker form.
</gallery>


===Thrasher===
==Anti-Flood Countermeasures==
{{Main|Flood thrasher form}}
Thrashers are a hulking, vicious variant of combat form created through the infection of certain non-sapient animals with sufficient neuro-complexity. Limited in intellect compared to attackers, thrashers are used as simple weapons in early stages of Flood infiltration and expansion. They have whip-like barbed tentacles and toothy maws suited to gorging on the flesh that fuels their violent rampage. Bearing resemblance to [[Flood tank form|some]] [[Flood pure form|pure form]]s, thrashers are primarily employed to defend existing Flood hives.{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22P409}}


<gallery>
Combat Forms can take extensive and sizable amounts of damage before being neutralized. Arms, legs, even heads can be totally blown off before they are incapacitated.
File:FloodThrasher 1.png|A model of a thrasher form.
The weak areas of a Combat Form are its sensory appendages that normally develop on the upper chest. This is where the Infection Form has nestled, and the body is incapacitated if this area is destroyed by a projectile weapon.
File:HW thrashersrunning2.jpg|Several thrasher forms on [[Trove]].
In all three ''Halo'' games, a Combat Form may fall only to stand up again and keep fighting. This can only happen if it still has a usable limb and appendage.
File:Enc22 Thrasher.png|A thrasher form in the ''[[Halo Encyclopedia (2022 edition)]]''.
In ''Halo 2'' and ''Halo 3'', if the body is not destroyed, such as by an [[Energy Sword]], [[Grenade]] or [[Brute Shot]] blade, Combat Forms can be revived by other Infection Forms crawling into it.
</gallery>
Human weapons are generally more effective against the Flood. Covenant plasma weaponry is designed to debilitate by causing burning pain and structural damage to bodies, but the Flood cannot feel pain or be crippled.
Piercing weapons such as the [[Sniper Rifle]] have little effect on combat forms. However, they can be killed with sufficient force from projectile and melee weapons.
Explosives such as grenades, rocket launchers, and the Brute Shot can easily kill a combat form. Plasma or Spike grenades should be used with caution, as the Combat Form will sometimes ignore all other targets and charge players using those weapons at high speed.
The [[Needler]] can be devastating, as the [[seven]]-needle explosion will prevent it coming back to life in ''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]'', and will shatter it in ''Halo 2'' and ''3'. In addition, the Needler's explosions will destroy an entire horde of charging Flood Combat Forms, similar to grenades and rocket launchers. However, for this to work, you must have at least 7 needles embedded into the Flood form.
At close range the [[Shotgun]], [[Mauler]], [[Brute Spiker]], [[Brute Shot]] (melee only), and [[Energy Sword]] are the best weapons.
At close to medium ranges the [[M6C Magnum]] and [[SMG]] are fairly effective against Combat Forms due to their fast fire rate. The [[Sentinel Beam]] is also effective due to its continuous fire and burning capabilities.
At long range the [[BR55 Battle Rifle]], [[Covenant Carbine]], or the [[M6D]] can be used to fire two shots to the upper chest. Shooting the arms off Combat Forms is effective in ''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]'', using this is known as the "Flood Buddy" glitch. The Form will not be able to attack you and will just follow you around. A single Combat Form can be good target practice with the [[M6D]] using this method.
Burning Flood forms is one of the most effective methods in any situation, as is destruction of the torso. However, if you burn the Flood and it is not dead, it will charge toward you, burning, and damaging you as well. 
In ''Halo 2'', the Sentinel Beams dropped by the Forerunner Sentinels are also very effective against the Flood.
In ''[[Halo 3]]'', plasma and melee attacks, formerly weak against the Flood Combat Forms, are now highly effective: a Combat Form can usually be destroyed with 1-3 melee attacks depending on its type and the difficulty setting, and weapons such as the Plasma Rifle are very effective, especially when dual-wielded. Also, a melee attack with any weapon to a Combat Form corpse render it unusable to Infection Forms. This makes gameplay easier, as, previously, it took around 7-10 melees to kill, even for assassinations.


===Swarm===
==Harmless Combat Forms==
{{Main|Flood swarm}}
In ''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]'' it's possible to remove both arms off a Combat Form, rendering it harmless and even helpful.
Swarm forms are flying combat forms made via the infection of certain non-sapient avian predators with sufficient calcium reserves and resilient neurosystems. Despite their large size, swarm forms are remarkably swift and capable of performing coordinated attacks from the air with others of their kind. In addition to their sharp talons and teeth, swarm forms can fire infectious barbed projectiles at enemies.{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22P409}}
These forms will follow the player and "nestle" close to it in an attempt to attack. It is only necessary to remove the tentacled arm of the Combat Form if it is unarmed.
If it has a weapon, both limbs must be removed. These forms can be used as effective shields and will often charge Covenant enemies as a distraction. The Covenant, not realizing that they're harmless, will waste their time attacking it, allowing the player to use the distraction to their advantage.
This bug was removed in ''[[Halo 2]]''. Instead, removing both arms will cause the [[Infection Form]] to abandon the damaged host in search of another. Also if you have the game set on [[Legendary]] and go to the level the [[The Oracle]] and get to the [[Famine Skull]], in that very room sometimes one of the four Flood Combat Forms that are twitching gets up but does not harm as it tends to stay in the same spot doing nothing.
It is still possible to remove one arm if the Combat Form is not carrying a weapon. In ''[[Halo 3]]'' removing the tentacled limb of an unarmed Combat Form causes it to melee the player.
But, in some rare cases, in ''[[Halo 3]]'' if they pick up a [[Gravity Hammer]] and have their tentacle arm shot off, they will act similar to the "[[Flood Buddies]]", approaching the player for a few seconds then walking away then repeating and, in some cases, attacking the player with invisible arms. Occasionally, if a Combat Form is not completely destroyed (i.e. all limbs removed, splattered, head removed), it will eventually get back up and keep fighting. If you kill the Flood but not the dead host (if the Infection Form leaves its host) it will become an open host for a new Infection Form to occupy.


<gallery>
== Trivia ==
File:HW FloodSwarm Concept.jpg|A swarm form.
[[Image:1216051647 Infected.jpg|thumb|right|A Marine being infected.]]
File:HW FloodSwarmForm 1.png|Another view of a swarm form.
===In General===
</gallery>
*In ''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]'' Combat Forms will not disintegrate from successive melee hits when they are dead like in ''[[Halo 2]]'' and ''[[Halo 3]]''.
*[[Elites]] in Halo 3 will have the same armor color after being infected, eight armor colors are seen, Minors-Light Blue/Dark Blue, Spec Ops-Purple/Teal-black, Majors-Red/Orange/copper, Ultras-White.
*[[Flood Juggernaut]], [[Flood]] Combat, and Tank Forms have a "mouth like" head, where the sensory tentacles are located. Shooting this area counts as a [[headshot]].
*In Halo 2 and Halo 3, while former Marines cannot wield weapons such as [[Energy Swords]], [[Brute Shots]], and [[Sentinel Beams]], Human Floods have the ability to wield them. Flood are known to pick up the first weapon they come into contact with, but it was guessed that the Humans' simply couldn't wield them.
*In ''[[Halo 2]]'' and ''[[Halo 3]]'', [[Flood]] Combat Forms retain more of the host's armor, such as chest plating. They were almost naked in ''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]''. This could be attributed to the Flood becoming more intelligent, due to the [[Gravemind]]'s influence.
*Occasionally, if a player throws a [[Plasma Grenade]] on a Combat Form it will charge towards the player, ignoring any other non-Flood targets. In ''Halo 3'', they will jump away from grenades or (unsuccessfully) attempt to shield themselves from the resulting explosion.


==Production notes==
===''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]''===
Prior to the ''[[Halo Encyclopedia (2022 edition)]]'', all human, Sangheili, Jiralhanae, Kig-Yar, and Unggoy combat forms were simply referred to as combat forms. While the Encyclopedia does not dispute this, it further clarified that these kinds of Flood forms are all part of the "[[Flood attacker form|attacker]]" subset of combat forms.{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22P408}}
*In all of the ''Halo'' games, [[Flood]] Combat Forms always hold the [[Shotgun]] with one hand, and fire it without pumping another round into the chamber. In ''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]'', they somehow manage to make the shotgun pump itself. A possible explanation for this is that the Flood has extended an appendage into/onto the Shotgun which allows it to use the [[Shotgun]]'s pump as a body part. That, or the pump action just wasn't programmed into ''Halo: Combat Evolved''.
*Out of all weapons the player can use, the Sniper Rifle is the only weapon Combat Forms cannot wield.
*In ''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]'' if you stand on a Light Bridge (343 Guilty Spark) and shoot off armed Flood gun arms they will leap onto the bridge and get stuck and will only be able to move by jumping at you.
*If you headshot Combat Forms (usually human) with a [[M6D|Pistol]], half their face will get blown away, they will fall but will most likely stand up again.
*If you shoot both arms off a combat form in ''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]'' it will not be able to attack you it will simply follow you around. Players have dubbed this instance as creating a 'Flood Buddy'.
*In irony, Elite combat forms will wield human weapons far more than Human combat forms; They often make use of the MA5B assault rifle. The reason might be that there were more Elites than Humans during the Battle of Installation 04.
*This is the only game in which human combat forms use an [[Active Camouflage]]. This is strange, since humans do not have this type of technology.
*Elites using the MA5B have been seen firing it in bursts of about 2 shots per pull.
*In the level "The Maw" when you enter the armoury Armed Elite Combat Forms will appear with Active Camoflauge but are very easy to see, this is most likely due to the fact that Stealth Elites were lying in wait in the armoury for the player but didn't notice the flood behind them (the Stealth Elites in Halo: Combat Evolved don't have shields) and morphed into Combat Forms


==Notes==
===''[[Halo 2]]''===
<references group="notes"/>
*''[[Halo 2]]'' is the only game where the [[Flood]] use vehicles (in the level [[Quarantine Zone (Level)|Quarantine Zone]]).
*During some parts of the ''[[Halo 2]]'' levels with Combat Forms some are seen rarely using [[Sniper Rifle]]s, although their poor aim suggests that the form's feeler-based sensory would make using scope-based weapons pointless (when they use the [[M6D pistol]] in ''[[Halo:Combat Evolved]]'' they always aim for the chest). On [[Legendary]] difficulty, however, these Combat Forms are incredibly deadly as they can kill the player with one shot.
*In ''[[Halo 2]]'', all the Flood infected Elites wear the armor of an [[Elite Minor]], even on levels where no Minor Elites were found. In ''[[Halo 3]]'', an infected [[Elite Ultra]] retains the appropriate armor of an Ultra, but reverts to that of a Minor when it is killed.
*[[Sniper Rifle]]s are very ineffective against any Combat Form, Human and Elite as it will just go through them. However can be successfully used to hit their "weak spot".
*The [[Energy Sword]]'s energy drops only a little when used against the [[Flood]], about 2.5 per lethal hit.
*When using the Grunt Birthday Party skull against the flood in Halo 2, the effect of the skull will cause the plasma grenade explosion to occur when you shoot the Combat Form in the chest, where the Infection Form is.


==List of appearances==
===''[[Halo 3]]''===
*''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]'' {{1st}}
*The Combat Form can pick any weapon when it's near them when they "resurrect."
*''[[Halo: The Flood]]''
*Sometimes in ''Halo 3'', [[Flood]] will wield [[Flamethrower]]s if they are revived close to one. In some cases, they can be seen wielding [[Plasma Turrets]] with one arm or tentacle. This is common on the level [[The Covenant (Level)|The Covenant]], right after you kill the Brute Chieftain with the [[Plasma Cannon]]. This may either mean that the Flood has built up a powerful muscular structure in the host during infection, or they haven't been programmed to hold these weapons with 2 hands.
*''[[Halo 2]]''
*A Combat Form's old "head" (the one that used to belong to the host) will move or twitch as if in pain if you watch it in the theater in ''Halo 3''.
*''[[Halo Graphic Novel]]''
*[[Flood]] Combat Forms in ''Halo 3'' can pick up weapons discarded by the player, i.e. Spartan Lasers, if there is any ammo/charge left in the weapon. Care should be taken when dropping these kinds of powerful weapons around Flood forms, as they might be used against you by revived [[Flood]].
**''[[The Last Voyage of the Infinite Succor]]''
*In ''Halo 3'', an infected Chieftain will turn into a Brute combat form with [[Minor Brute]] armor on. These errors were due to memory constraints and also represent the rapid increase of visual effects technology over the course of the development of the games.
**''[[Breaking Quarantine]]''
*Brute Combat Forms can hold [[Gravity Hammers]] and [[Brute Shots]] with one hand, although they rarely, if ever, use a Gravity Hammer.
*''[[Halo 3]]''
[[Image:Combat_forrn_HGN.jpg|thumb|Two combat forms]]
*''[[Halo Wars]]''
*In ''Halo 3'', if an Elite is infected, a Gravity Hammer like pulse will be emitted from his suit. It is unknown why this happens, though it could be a remnant of an energy shield, or simply a glitch.
*''[[Halo 3: ODST]]'' {{MCCo}}
*In ''[[Halo 3]]'', the Gold Skull "Fog" is held by a [[Flood]] Combat Form on the level [[Floodgate]].
*''[[Halo Legends]]''
*''[[Halo 3]]'' is the only game where you can instantly kill a Combat Form by meleeing them with something other than a Energy Sword, Gravity Hammer or Bruteshot.
**''[[Origins]]''
*Combat forms can hold two-handed weapons (Brute Shot, Shotgun, etc.) with one hand.
*''[[Halo: Evolutions - Essential Tales of the Halo Universe]]''
*In ''Halo 3'' if you shoot a Combat Form's "host face" it will "pop" and be covered in blood.
**''[[The Mona Lisa]]''
*In ''Halo 3'' if you shoot off a Flood Combat Form's arms it will try to push you off a cliff by running into you.
*''[[Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary]]''
*In ''[[Halo 3]]'' you can see and shoot the Infection Form in the host's chest. If you successfully destroy the Infection Form and leave the empty corpse intact and "face up," you will see a large purplish hole where the Infection Form was. When an infection form "resurrects" the corpse, the infection form will inhabit that previously mentioned empty cavity.
**''[[Terminal (Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary)|Terminals]]''
*If you melee a [[Major Elite]] Combat Form so it explodes, the armor will turn into Minor armor.
*''[[Halo 4]]''
*Regardless of gender, an infected [[Human]] Flood becomes a male Combat Form. Their are no variations between and infected male or female Marine.
**''[[Terminal (Halo 4)|Terminals]]''
*If you kill a Marine/Elite/Brute while it is being infected it returns to it's prior state although it remains dead and can be infected again.
*''[[Halo: Spartan Assault]]''
*If an Elite is infected, its shields may still work.
*''[[Halo 2: Anniversary]]''
*Rarely, in the level [[The Covenant]], a flood will appear that is only half infected, with its head still visible.
*''[[Halo: Fractures]]''
*The [[Brute]] combat form looks like The Gorger form the Suffering: Ties That Bind.
**''[[Defender of the Storm]]''
 
*''[[Halo: Tales from Slipspace]]''
==Gallery==
**''[[Something Has Happened]]''
<GALLERY>
*''[[Halo Wars 2]]''
Image:Warrior Form Human2.png|A [[Human]] Combat Form.
*''[[Halo: Fireteam Raven]]''
Image:FloodWeaponless05.jpg|An [[Elite]] Combat Form from ''[[Halo 2]]''.
*''[[Halo Infinite]]''
Image:Warrior Form Covie2.png|An [[Elite]] Combat Form.
**''[[Season 05: Reckoning]]''
Image:Ultra Flood Combat.jpg|An infected [[Ultra Elite]].
*''[[Halo: Saturn Devouring His Son]]''
Image:BRUTEBUDDY.jpg|A [[Brute]] Combat Form.
*''[[Halo: Epitaph]]''
Image:26834428-Full.jpg|An [[Ultra Elite]] Combat Form using a [[Machine Gun Turret]].
*''[[Halo: The Television Series Season Two]]''
Image:1195430022_100.jpg|All three Combat Forms.
**''[[Halo (TV Series)|Halo]]''
Image:1209876658 Flood.jpg|Three "Flood Buddies", Flood with no weapons or tentacles.
Image:1212975093 Flood Combat Forms.JPG|[[Human]] and [[Elite]] Combat Forms.
Image:Halo 2 Vista Flood Elite Combat Form Head.jpg|The head of an infected [[Elite]].
Image:51016096-Full.jpg|A [[Human]] Combat Form firing a [[Spartan Laser]].
Image:51016200-Full.jpg|A [[Human]] Combat Form with a Shotgun.
Image:Agony.jpg|Traces of Human origin.
Image:61026595-Full.jpg|A Human Combat Form wielding a [[Rocket Launcher]].
Image:61026908-Full.jpg|An Elite Combat Form wielding a [[Fuel Rod Gun]] in mid-leap.
</GALLERY>


==Sources==
==Sources==
{{Ref/Sources}}


{{Flood}}
{{Flood}}
[[Category:Flood forms]]
[[Category:The Flood]]

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